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Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter: The True Story of a Small-Town Accountant, an Elite Group of Detectives, and Arizona's Most Terrifying Cold Case
The stranger-than-fiction story of the terrifying "Zombie Hunter" whose brutal crimes nearly went unsolved until an unconventional detective and his team solved the mystery of a real-life monster hiding in plain sight.
Bryan Miller aka The Zombie Hunter, was a cavalier character juxtaposed as a single parent of a teenage daughter. He sported Steampunk attire, wielded a gatling gun at Comic Con conventions, and rode around in a custom fitted police looking car with green lights on the top and the “The Zombie Hunter '' detailed on the side. While his outward appearance and interests were a bit eccentric, little did people know, he was a real-life killer and predator that had been terrorizing the Phoenix area since 1992.
Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter is the extraordinary, detailed inside story of how a small-town ex-CPA, Detective Troy Hillman, and an elite team of detectives—hounded by the press, a frustrated and frightened public, and their own doubts and exhaustion—solved a double murder that had haunted the Valley of the Sun for more than twenty years. The initial details were already chilling—the brutal murder of two women, found headless, who were assaulted while riding their bikes along a well-known canal bike path—but with his inside-perspective, Hillman reveals how the initial headlines only scratch the surface.
Besides giving the families of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas closure and justice, Detective Hillman's groundbreaking methods and his familial DNA case set the precedent for cold cases like The Golden State Killer. Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter reveals how evidence that was already in possession of the police turned out to be the key to catching the killer—once they new how to look at it.
From frustrations and heartbreak to bizarre twists and incredible breakthroughs, Detective Hillman takes true crime devotees through every facet of how, against all odds, the suspect was found and arrested. Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter is a testament to the fact that no matter how old the case, there is always hope for justice...if you know where to look.
Bryan Miller aka The Zombie Hunter, was a cavalier character juxtaposed as a single parent of a teenage daughter. He sported Steampunk attire, wielded a gatling gun at Comic Con conventions, and rode around in a custom fitted police looking car with green lights on the top and the “The Zombie Hunter '' detailed on the side. While his outward appearance and interests were a bit eccentric, little did people know, he was a real-life killer and predator that had been terrorizing the Phoenix area since 1992.
Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter is the extraordinary, detailed inside story of how a small-town ex-CPA, Detective Troy Hillman, and an elite team of detectives—hounded by the press, a frustrated and frightened public, and their own doubts and exhaustion—solved a double murder that had haunted the Valley of the Sun for more than twenty years. The initial details were already chilling—the brutal murder of two women, found headless, who were assaulted while riding their bikes along a well-known canal bike path—but with his inside-perspective, Hillman reveals how the initial headlines only scratch the surface.
Besides giving the families of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas closure and justice, Detective Hillman's groundbreaking methods and his familial DNA case set the precedent for cold cases like The Golden State Killer. Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter reveals how evidence that was already in possession of the police turned out to be the key to catching the killer—once they new how to look at it.
From frustrations and heartbreak to bizarre twists and incredible breakthroughs, Detective Hillman takes true crime devotees through every facet of how, against all odds, the suspect was found and arrested. Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter is a testament to the fact that no matter how old the case, there is always hope for justice...if you know where to look.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 28, 2025
3.5 stars--This is the intriguing story of the many threads that went in to solving a baffling double murder that shocked and frightened Phoenix in the early 1990s. The eccentric and narcissistic culprit had been hiding in plain sight for decades--but forensic clues finally pulled his mask.
While I think that there was a little too much unnatural expository dialogue, as well as a temptation to turn the detectives and forensic workers into "characters" in the manner of a crime TV series, overall, this was a well-written book that will draw in true crime readers.
While I think that there was a little too much unnatural expository dialogue, as well as a temptation to turn the detectives and forensic workers into "characters" in the manner of a crime TV series, overall, this was a well-written book that will draw in true crime readers.
November 23, 2025
On 8 November 1992, Angela Brosso was brutally murdered. Her body was found decapitated and mutilated near the Arizona Canal in Phoenix. Her head was discovered 11 days later.
Less than a year later, in September 1993, Melanie Bernas also lost her life in horrific circumstances. Her body bore stab wounds and ritualistic markings. Both women had been sexually assaulted.
For two decades the case remained cold. Then, for three and a half years, a dedicated cold case unit worked relentlessly to uncover answers. In 2014, Colleen Fitzpatrick helped these investigators narrow the suspect pool to five men with the surname Miller. By January 2015, police matched DNA from the crime scenes to Bryan Miller — marking the first cold case solved through investigative genetic genealogy.
Still, it took another seven years after his 2015 arrest before Miller finally faced court. After an eight-month trial, Judge Cohen found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to death.
Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter takes you directly inside the Phoenix Police Department’s cold case unit. Troy Hillman, who served as a detective sergeant in one of the most challenging homicide assignments, brings every investigator, forensic expert, and analyst to life. I genuinely felt like I was sitting inside their office, combing through clues alongside them. His writing is clean, factual, and straight to the point, while still highlighting the emotional weight behind solving a decades-old double homicide.
Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas had no voice left, DNA was their last hope for justice. And this book shows just how much work goes into turning that hope into answers. An arrest may feel like an ending, but Hillman makes it clear it’s only the beginning.
As soon as I turned the final page, I jumped onto Spotify to listen to the Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter podcast episode on Santana True Crime. Hearing Troy discuss the case, with no ego and complete dedication to the truth, made me appreciate this book even more. His conversation with Cameron, both former officers, was the perfect follow-on.
A solid, fascinating read for any true crime lover, especially those interested in cold cases and investigative genetic genealogy.
Less than a year later, in September 1993, Melanie Bernas also lost her life in horrific circumstances. Her body bore stab wounds and ritualistic markings. Both women had been sexually assaulted.
For two decades the case remained cold. Then, for three and a half years, a dedicated cold case unit worked relentlessly to uncover answers. In 2014, Colleen Fitzpatrick helped these investigators narrow the suspect pool to five men with the surname Miller. By January 2015, police matched DNA from the crime scenes to Bryan Miller — marking the first cold case solved through investigative genetic genealogy.
Still, it took another seven years after his 2015 arrest before Miller finally faced court. After an eight-month trial, Judge Cohen found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to death.
Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter takes you directly inside the Phoenix Police Department’s cold case unit. Troy Hillman, who served as a detective sergeant in one of the most challenging homicide assignments, brings every investigator, forensic expert, and analyst to life. I genuinely felt like I was sitting inside their office, combing through clues alongside them. His writing is clean, factual, and straight to the point, while still highlighting the emotional weight behind solving a decades-old double homicide.
Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas had no voice left, DNA was their last hope for justice. And this book shows just how much work goes into turning that hope into answers. An arrest may feel like an ending, but Hillman makes it clear it’s only the beginning.
As soon as I turned the final page, I jumped onto Spotify to listen to the Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter podcast episode on Santana True Crime. Hearing Troy discuss the case, with no ego and complete dedication to the truth, made me appreciate this book even more. His conversation with Cameron, both former officers, was the perfect follow-on.
A solid, fascinating read for any true crime lover, especially those interested in cold cases and investigative genetic genealogy.
November 5, 2025
Great book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know what it really takes to solve a cold case. This gives the common person great insight into what our law enforcement officers do, how much commitment they need to have, and how much they help the community by solving these cases.
April 9, 2026
If you enjoy crime documentaries, you will likely enjoy this book. I learned some things about serial killers and the process it takes to pursue cold cases. I also didn't know that family DNA is used in finding a specific person under question- that was very fascinating! There were a lot of interesting breakdowns to how they were able to find the killer from so long in the past.
The aspects I enjoyed less were being immersed in this world of pain and inhumane acts for several days. When watching a show about violence, it doesn't last as long as reading a whole book about the heinous acts of a monster. Needless to say, I was feeling the pressure to hurry and finish this book so I could move on from a depressing rain cloud of gloom . But I think the hardest part of the book for me, was that it felt very real. I grew up in Phoenix and am very much familiar with the locations, streets and canals that were discussed and so this felt more real to me than hearing about crime in a place unknown. Without intention, I felt a little more moody and on-edge than is normal for me while immersed in this disheartening world.
With all that in mind, the writing was a little mediocre, but it worked on this genre so readers aren't left in the dust with all the lingo and next-steps. The author also did a good job of not wallowing too heavily in the negative narrative, and had a good balance with some lesser heavy content about his family, the staff, etc. I appreciated that, but for me, the violence so close to home was harder to hear than anticipated.
The aspects I enjoyed less were being immersed in this world of pain and inhumane acts for several days. When watching a show about violence, it doesn't last as long as reading a whole book about the heinous acts of a monster. Needless to say, I was feeling the pressure to hurry and finish this book so I could move on from a depressing rain cloud of gloom . But I think the hardest part of the book for me, was that it felt very real. I grew up in Phoenix and am very much familiar with the locations, streets and canals that were discussed and so this felt more real to me than hearing about crime in a place unknown. Without intention, I felt a little more moody and on-edge than is normal for me while immersed in this disheartening world.
With all that in mind, the writing was a little mediocre, but it worked on this genre so readers aren't left in the dust with all the lingo and next-steps. The author also did a good job of not wallowing too heavily in the negative narrative, and had a good balance with some lesser heavy content about his family, the staff, etc. I appreciated that, but for me, the violence so close to home was harder to hear than anticipated.
October 23, 2025
Heard about this book on the Murder Sheet Podcast and enjoyed it. I thought it was well written and I felt like it focused on the team around the cold case squad. I liked hearing about their different personalities and how they worked together. It wasn't very long, but I liked that about the book; there were a *couple* of spots where I noticed information being repeated, but on the whole, it was tightly written.
October 8, 2025
The Canal Murders of the early 1990s were Phoenix’s version of Jack The Ripper. Like the Ripper case, the victims were young females. Similarly, the murders displayed a savagery, brutality, and depravity unseen in most homicides. In both cases, the murders cast a shadow of fear and disquiet over the community. Finally, like the Ripper case, police were stymied by the perpetrator and, despite years of investigation, were unable to arrest a suspect.
That was until 2015 when Phoenix Police arrested a man named Bryan Patrick Miller (who maintained a cosplay persona called the “Zombie Hunter”) for the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.
The man responsible for this arrest was a cold case detective sergeant named Troy Hillman. Hillman’s book, CHASING DOWN THE ZOMBIE HUNTER, which is all about this intriguing case, is now available.
For those who have an interest in cold cases and true crime (who enjoy shows like Mindhunter, Cold Case Files, and Cold Justice), this is the book for you.
Very rarely do you get to see the inside machinations of a cold case investigation as is shown in this book. Hillman details the Ocean’s 11-like assemblage of gifted detectives to work the case, each bringing a particular skill and talent to the investigation. He details years of chasing promising and strange suspects that always led to dead ends. Then he takes readers into a fascinating meeting of the elite Vidocq Society that provided key insights into the perpetrator. And the final breakthrough of the then-untested application of forensic genealogy (really the first use of this now ubiquitous technique), which helped zero in on the suspect.
What makes a serial killer? The book tries to answer this question with a deep dive into the background and psychology of Bryan Patrick Miller (along with discussion of other crimes he may have committed). It is a probing analysis of a very disturbed and frightening mind.
The book moves at a rapid clip and would easily translate into a Netflix documentary series. Perhaps renewed interest will help solve other cases that Miller was possibly involved with (missing 13-year-old Brandy Myers likely being his first murder).
Highly recommended.
That was until 2015 when Phoenix Police arrested a man named Bryan Patrick Miller (who maintained a cosplay persona called the “Zombie Hunter”) for the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.
The man responsible for this arrest was a cold case detective sergeant named Troy Hillman. Hillman’s book, CHASING DOWN THE ZOMBIE HUNTER, which is all about this intriguing case, is now available.
For those who have an interest in cold cases and true crime (who enjoy shows like Mindhunter, Cold Case Files, and Cold Justice), this is the book for you.
Very rarely do you get to see the inside machinations of a cold case investigation as is shown in this book. Hillman details the Ocean’s 11-like assemblage of gifted detectives to work the case, each bringing a particular skill and talent to the investigation. He details years of chasing promising and strange suspects that always led to dead ends. Then he takes readers into a fascinating meeting of the elite Vidocq Society that provided key insights into the perpetrator. And the final breakthrough of the then-untested application of forensic genealogy (really the first use of this now ubiquitous technique), which helped zero in on the suspect.
What makes a serial killer? The book tries to answer this question with a deep dive into the background and psychology of Bryan Patrick Miller (along with discussion of other crimes he may have committed). It is a probing analysis of a very disturbed and frightening mind.
The book moves at a rapid clip and would easily translate into a Netflix documentary series. Perhaps renewed interest will help solve other cases that Miller was possibly involved with (missing 13-year-old Brandy Myers likely being his first murder).
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2026
This is a really good book that shows the dedication and perseverance of the men and women in our police forces. Hillman and his team’s compassion for the families and victims led them to never giving up and finally bringing a brutal murderer to justice. We might never know the full scope of horrors that the serial killer committed but because of the author and his dedicated team of detectives and DNA lab techs they brought justice to the victims and families and put this monster in prison for the rest of his life. The book details all the trials and tribulations of the case, all the set backs that it takes to solve cases. I appreciated this in depth behind the scenes look at taking a cold case that had almost been given up on and working it through to the end. Hillman brings the team to life with true emotions and feelings, which often the public doesn’t get to see of our police forces. I highly recommend this book if you want insight to how cold case detectives work and their passion for bringing justice.
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November 2, 2025This book was written by Troy Hillman, who brings a deep passion and a keen understanding of what it takes to investigate a case that many believed was closed or collecting dust because the killer was thought to be dead. Was it time to revive this investigation and bring it to a conclusion? Yes, homicides operate on their own timeline. Troy Hillman recognized that it was time to pursue the killer because the murderer sensed his time was running short and, deep down, wanted to be caught.
The true resolution for the victim's would only be achieved when the killer heard the two clicks of the handcuffs fastening around his wrists. Significant effort was invested in this investigation, which required time away from family members. Troy Hillman refused to let go of any lingering myths about the case. He was told that the killer was dead and old, but Troy remained passionate and persistent in his quest to find the killer of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.
The true resolution for the victim's would only be achieved when the killer heard the two clicks of the handcuffs fastening around his wrists. Significant effort was invested in this investigation, which required time away from family members. Troy Hillman refused to let go of any lingering myths about the case. He was told that the killer was dead and old, but Troy remained passionate and persistent in his quest to find the killer of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas.
April 4, 2026
This book riveted and impressed me. Although I am not easily a fan of law enforcement, Troy Hillman depicts a cold case unit whose collective eye seems to be on the ideal prize: justice. Frankly, I'm not sure that the apprehension of the killer of a loved one constitutes true justice (what can?), but the dedication that Hillman and his team devote to catching this depraved murderer reassures one of the sterling character and compassion of at least these humans.
Two caveats: these murders are heinous and Hillman (necessarily, imo) describes them in some detail, so perhaps this book is not for the squeamish. Also, while the writing is not bad, most of the dialogue is fairly stilted.
Having said that, I was engaged from about page 20 right up to the end. Never dreamed that I would lock into this book the way I did.
Two caveats: these murders are heinous and Hillman (necessarily, imo) describes them in some detail, so perhaps this book is not for the squeamish. Also, while the writing is not bad, most of the dialogue is fairly stilted.
Having said that, I was engaged from about page 20 right up to the end. Never dreamed that I would lock into this book the way I did.
April 11, 2026
Hillman is a CPA turned police detective who created a stellar team to solve cold cases in Phoenix. One was the brutal murders of 2 women.
Genealogical forensics eventually identified the serial killer and led to his arrest and conviction decades after the events.
I enjoyed the story, but could have done without much of the dialogue presented in the book, which you know is not verbatim at any one point, because who records these conversations? I think Hillman needed a good editor; he was trying very hard to illuminate the character of each person on his team to show how different talents can be effective.
I saw Hillman at the Tucson Festical of Books this year on a panel about true crime. That led me to his book, and I am glad I read it.
Genealogical forensics eventually identified the serial killer and led to his arrest and conviction decades after the events.
I enjoyed the story, but could have done without much of the dialogue presented in the book, which you know is not verbatim at any one point, because who records these conversations? I think Hillman needed a good editor; he was trying very hard to illuminate the character of each person on his team to show how different talents can be effective.
I saw Hillman at the Tucson Festical of Books this year on a panel about true crime. That led me to his book, and I am glad I read it.
November 13, 2025
This book was so well written and has an amazing, real-life story ... I read it in under 2 days. The author's unique story (accountant turned police officer) and the dedication that the group of detectives gave to this cold case are incredible. It was almost as if you are reading a fictional story about a serial killer, and then your remind yourself that this is a true story. The author does a great job of detailing all the "old school" cold case police work that was done combined with cutting edge DNA technology that helped identify the serial killer and bring him to justice. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
January 10, 2026
I've been on a few police ride-alongs over the years and got to witness how officers handle incidents on the streets. This is a ride-along with an exceptional cold case team. Hillman walks the reader step-by-step through the investigation as if the reader was sitting right there in the passenger seat. It's a roller coaster ride and shows true grit on the part of these detectives to balance thousands of cold cases and ultimately solve two of the most brutal murders in the Southwest. I really enjoyed this book and hope Hillman keeps writing. It's a reminder of the importance of talented groups working cold cases in this country. PHENOMENAL READ! RECOMMEND TO ALL ADULTS.
May 2, 2026
I wish I could give this zero stars. Luckily I can over on StoryGraph. The victims and their families deserve so much better than this dumpster fire. The book is not all that long to begin with and is over half-filled with conversations and internal monologue. I absolutely cannot stand when authors use copious amounts of quoted conversations and have no way to back up that these conversations went exactly like they are printed. That is not non-fiction. The book is poorly written and everyone spends a whole lot of time talking, but there’s very little showing what actually went on to investigate these murders. Easily one of the worst books I’ve read this year.
October 31, 2025
I’ll start this off with I know the author. This was the ‘case’ for him, the one that kept him up at night until the team solved it. Writing this book was a dream of his even if it never got published. Lucky for us it did. Book was well written, story flows. And I know some may say there might have been too much character development, but it was fine for a purpose. Many obtuse people don’t figure that out. Detectives are everyday people like you and I. I love how the book brings that out. Well done Mr, Hillman!
January 30, 2026
4 1/2 stars rounded up! The missing half a star was just because I wish there was a timeline. It’s kind of jumbled when things take place that I wish there was something to each chapter that said June of 2012 etc. I also wish there was more to the story. More in depth but I understand he was working other cold cases at the time.
As someone who grew up in North Phoenix, and whose dad met/worked on his car, it’s crazy to me that I can picture exactly where everything happened at the time and know where the author is talking about. Great book.
As someone who grew up in North Phoenix, and whose dad met/worked on his car, it’s crazy to me that I can picture exactly where everything happened at the time and know where the author is talking about. Great book.
October 30, 2025
This isn’t just another true crime recap. Troy Hillman takes readers inside the investigation that finally brought down Bryan Patrick Miller. It’s an insightful look at the painstaking detective work, the psychology of the killer, and the long path to conviction. This isn’t a case that could ever be fully captured in a news segment or interview. It’s a rare, singular perspective from a person who lived through it.
November 1, 2025
Excellent book detailing how a team of investigators can overcome a litany of obstacles in Cold Case murder investigation. The cases at hand were brutal, and the murderer a sick and deranged individual seemingly hiding in plain sight. Kudos to Sergeant Hillman for re-opening the case two decades later, and to the investigative team he assembled that never gave up on finding justice for the victims.
May 3, 2026
This was a fascinating book detailing the years of dogged detective work it took to identify and convict a serial killer. It's written by the detective who actually headed up this effort. The book provides a detailed behind-the-scenes look at what this type of investigation takes to be successful and the impact it has on the investigators, both professionally and in their personal lives. Very well-written, excellent read!
October 13, 2025
This book got off to a bit of a slow start while discussing the formation of the cold case team working on the unsolved murders of two Phoenix women in the early 90’s. However, once it got into the details of the case files and the painstaking work of revisiting hundreds of leads and suspects it definitely held my attention. Glad to see that justice was finally achieved for these victims.
November 2, 2025
Very engaging true story. It was really awesome to get to know the personalities of the Detectives involved in this case and all the different twists and turns they took to help solve it. This is a Truly heartbreaking story out of phoenix Arizona but we should all be thankful for our law enforcement officers that care so much!
November 2, 2025
I found this to be a great read as a true crime and cold case fan. I felt like the author did an excellent job of walking the reader through the ups and downs as well as the intricacies of the investigation. The author’s story as a CPA turned detective is fascinating. This is a wild and fast ride! Highly recommend it to all my family and friends.
November 1, 2025
This is interesting to see the journey that these investigations take to get to a final conviction. This book takes you through the ups and downs and gives you insight into what it takes to figure it all out. Worth the time to read.
November 2, 2025
This true crime book was easy to read and very descriptive which was a pleasure to read.I hope that the Phoenix Police Department continues to support the Cold Case Unit to help solve the many other cold cases in our state.
December 13, 2025
Kinda don’t love the writing or the author but the story is interesting. It feels like he’s trying to figure out how to write a book while writing it. He clearly has no idea how to write about people so some of it is just really weird but the crime part is good. 3.6 stars
January 18, 2026
Amazing work done to track down this elusive killer who remained unknown for over 20 years. I love the details thrown in throughout the book. It allowed me to see the investigation from a different perspective - from the detective’s POV.
Great work by all!!!
Great work by all!!!
March 1, 2026
I met the author at the Creepy Book Retreat in Scottsdale earlier this month. I really enjoyed this book, it felt like I got to “peek behind the curtain” of what the investigation really looked like. I also enjoyed the attention he put on his team, the section of photos, and the quickness of details he came forth with. He didn’t drag anything out- everything was revealed when it was meant to be.
November 6, 2025
Way more of a memoir, but not badly written. Just a taste in storytelling preference.
November 29, 2025
Audiobook narrator had the wrong tone for the subject matter.
December 31, 2025
This is a really fascinating look into the back end of solving cold cases. It took a while for me to get used to the writing style, but I ended up really enjoying it.
January 6, 2026
I felt like I was walking directly alongside a cold case squad. Great in-depth read! I recommended to all of my family and friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews