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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
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 28, 2026
Moving and Perhaps, Movie?
Given the primary subject matter of the book, it would feel odd to say I "enjoyed" it but I did find it to be so much more than I expected! There is something spiritual and "full circle" about it in that it truly is an example of the Christian tenet of taking something bad, painful or tragic that Satan wanted to use for evil and allowing God to turn it into something meant for good, that would help others and glorify Him. In this memoir, the authors Holly K. Dunn and Heather Ebert do just that!
I, like many people unfortunately, am a survivor of trauma. Although my trauma was not caused by a stranger and was not a single event there were some similarities between Holly and I including being near railroad tracks (although there was no direct association to my abuse), going through the court case, the tremendous fear, publicity (although mine was nowhere near as extensive thankfully), our faith, and involvement with a sexual assault prevention center. I have found invaluable support there, from support groups to one on one conversations with the now former executive director and others and connecting them with authors of a well known book on the topic of sexual assault/abuse that I'd been corresponding with and working to bring a conference to my town.
This book, as you likely have guessed by now has to do with sexual assault, a violent rape by a serial killer to be exact. Holly fortunately survived the brutal attack but many other victims weren't so fortunate. This was the case for her then boyfriend, Christopher Thomas Maier. Chris was killed that horrible night and Holly could have died but she survived and decided that she would do whatever she could to keep anyone else from having to endure what she and Chris and the killer's other victims did as well as ensure justice was served and Chris's memory lives on.
Well written and edited book that could easily reach further success as a motion picture!
Given the primary subject matter of the book, it would feel odd to say I "enjoyed" it but I did find it to be so much more than I expected! There is something spiritual and "full circle" about it in that it truly is an example of the Christian tenet of taking something bad, painful or tragic that Satan wanted to use for evil and allowing God to turn it into something meant for good, that would help others and glorify Him. In this memoir, the authors Holly K. Dunn and Heather Ebert do just that!
I, like many people unfortunately, am a survivor of trauma. Although my trauma was not caused by a stranger and was not a single event there were some similarities between Holly and I including being near railroad tracks (although there was no direct association to my abuse), going through the court case, the tremendous fear, publicity (although mine was nowhere near as extensive thankfully), our faith, and involvement with a sexual assault prevention center. I have found invaluable support there, from support groups to one on one conversations with the now former executive director and others and connecting them with authors of a well known book on the topic of sexual assault/abuse that I'd been corresponding with and working to bring a conference to my town.
This book, as you likely have guessed by now has to do with sexual assault, a violent rape by a serial killer to be exact. Holly fortunately survived the brutal attack but many other victims weren't so fortunate. This was the case for her then boyfriend, Christopher Thomas Maier. Chris was killed that horrible night and Holly could have died but she survived and decided that she would do whatever she could to keep anyone else from having to endure what she and Chris and the killer's other victims did as well as ensure justice was served and Chris's memory lives on.
Well written and edited book that could easily reach further success as a motion picture!
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!
June 3, 2026
Beautifully written true story. Utterly heartbreaking read of what Holly had to endure that night. Not only witnessing her boyfriend be murdered in front of her but then be raped and left for dead. Holly is a remarkably strong and courageous woman and im glad she's not let it get her down and she's been able to help so many people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
March 22, 2026
never beaten
An amazing heart warming story ,of courage ,love ,strength and bravery. Going from hate to love of the human race obviously a very intelligent lady
An amazing heart warming story ,of courage ,love ,strength and bravery. Going from hate to love of the human race obviously a very intelligent lady
June 7, 2026
inspirational read
Great read very emotional Holly is an inspiration to everyone how she got on with life is amazing. What she has achieved shows life is good as time goes on.
Great read very emotional Holly is an inspiration to everyone how she got on with life is amazing. What she has achieved shows life is good as time goes on.
July 12, 2026
So heart wrenching and sad at times but ends on such a hopeful note of becoming not a victim but a survivor
August 15, 2026
heartbreaking
This book is heartbreaking! It has a very powerful and positive message that Life is Good. It is well written and you won’t be able to put the book down.
This book is heartbreaking! It has a very powerful and positive message that Life is Good. It is well written and you won’t be able to put the book down.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews