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Miles of Destruction: A True Story of Oil, Greed, Lust and Murder
North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields held the promise of unimaginable wealth …
But for some, the price was paid in blood.
James Henrikson was a man driven by greed and a lust for power. A mix of charm and ruthlessness, he carefully concealed his criminal past while rising to oilfield royalty alongside his equally deceptive wife, Sarah Creveling. But their short-lived empire was fragile, a house of cards held together by lies. When it all began to crumble, James was blinded by rage and consumed by a need for revenge.
Kristopher “K.C.” Clarke, young, well-liked, and full of promise, vanished without a trace one cold North Dakota morning—his belongings left behind, his fate a baffling mystery.
Nearly two years later outside Spokane, Washington, Doug Carlile, a beloved family man with big dreams, was gunned down in his own home.
The two victims had one chilling James Henrikson.
What followed was a high-stakes race to unravel a tangled web of conspiracy, murder, and betrayal. As federal and local investigators closed in, the truth was even more staggering than anyone expected.
____________
"... C.J. Wynn provides a detailed and thought-provoking look into the darker side of the oil boom, how money and greed impacted lives across the country, and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice. It's a must-read for those who love the true crime genre."
—Joe Skurzewski, News Director & Anchor, KMOT-TV
"... an exhilarating ride laying bare one of the most gut-wrenching, gruesome tales spurned by the modern oil boom. C.J. Wynn has taken a labyrinth of seemingly disconnected facts and circumstances—and two murders 800 miles apart—and woven together a heart-pounding page turner. Her brilliant storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page."
—Steven B. Epstein, author of Murder on Birchleaf Drive, Evil at Lake Seminole, Extreme Punishment, and Deadly Heist
"NETFLIX, pay attention. Here's your next hit true-life crime drama mini-series. MILES OF DESTRUCTION is a gripping story that holds the reader from start to finish as C.J. Wynn reminds us that fact really is stranger than fiction... Engaging, superbly documented, and told with passion, this is one story you'll want to read. Good luck finding a place to pause and put it down."
—Jim Huggins, New Shepherd Films award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter of Footprints, Forgotten Heroes—The Robert Hartsock Story and The 211 Home; and author of Memoirs of an Angel
"C.J. Wynn has created a readable and captivating story about a complicated investigation into a twisted criminal enterprise. Miles of Destruction details how a team of investigators in the States of Washington and North Dakota brought down James Henrikson, a greedy, murderous conman, who had no loyalty to anyone—not to his best friend, his business associates, not even to his wife—his partner in crime, murdering two and plotting to kill the other. Henrikson’s only loyalty was to money. This book reveals the skill, patience, and grit required to capture and convict a dangerous man. Kudos to that team of investigators, and to C.J. Wynn for telling their story."
—Beth Karas, former prosecutor and Legal Analyst on Investigation Discovery’s series Curious Case Of … and Curious Case of Natalia Grace
“An exceptionally well-crafted and riveting true crime story—full of shady criminals, astonishing greed, and the uncompr
But for some, the price was paid in blood.
James Henrikson was a man driven by greed and a lust for power. A mix of charm and ruthlessness, he carefully concealed his criminal past while rising to oilfield royalty alongside his equally deceptive wife, Sarah Creveling. But their short-lived empire was fragile, a house of cards held together by lies. When it all began to crumble, James was blinded by rage and consumed by a need for revenge.
Kristopher “K.C.” Clarke, young, well-liked, and full of promise, vanished without a trace one cold North Dakota morning—his belongings left behind, his fate a baffling mystery.
Nearly two years later outside Spokane, Washington, Doug Carlile, a beloved family man with big dreams, was gunned down in his own home.
The two victims had one chilling James Henrikson.
What followed was a high-stakes race to unravel a tangled web of conspiracy, murder, and betrayal. As federal and local investigators closed in, the truth was even more staggering than anyone expected.
____________
"... C.J. Wynn provides a detailed and thought-provoking look into the darker side of the oil boom, how money and greed impacted lives across the country, and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice. It's a must-read for those who love the true crime genre."
—Joe Skurzewski, News Director & Anchor, KMOT-TV
"... an exhilarating ride laying bare one of the most gut-wrenching, gruesome tales spurned by the modern oil boom. C.J. Wynn has taken a labyrinth of seemingly disconnected facts and circumstances—and two murders 800 miles apart—and woven together a heart-pounding page turner. Her brilliant storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page."
—Steven B. Epstein, author of Murder on Birchleaf Drive, Evil at Lake Seminole, Extreme Punishment, and Deadly Heist
"NETFLIX, pay attention. Here's your next hit true-life crime drama mini-series. MILES OF DESTRUCTION is a gripping story that holds the reader from start to finish as C.J. Wynn reminds us that fact really is stranger than fiction... Engaging, superbly documented, and told with passion, this is one story you'll want to read. Good luck finding a place to pause and put it down."
—Jim Huggins, New Shepherd Films award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter of Footprints, Forgotten Heroes—The Robert Hartsock Story and The 211 Home; and author of Memoirs of an Angel
"C.J. Wynn has created a readable and captivating story about a complicated investigation into a twisted criminal enterprise. Miles of Destruction details how a team of investigators in the States of Washington and North Dakota brought down James Henrikson, a greedy, murderous conman, who had no loyalty to anyone—not to his best friend, his business associates, not even to his wife—his partner in crime, murdering two and plotting to kill the other. Henrikson’s only loyalty was to money. This book reveals the skill, patience, and grit required to capture and convict a dangerous man. Kudos to that team of investigators, and to C.J. Wynn for telling their story."
—Beth Karas, former prosecutor and Legal Analyst on Investigation Discovery’s series Curious Case Of … and Curious Case of Natalia Grace
“An exceptionally well-crafted and riveting true crime story—full of shady criminals, astonishing greed, and the uncompr
533 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
19 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Wynn
2 books25 followersHow can one commit the ultimate act of violence to someone they once claimed to love? When does murder become the only answer to unresolved disagreements and marital disputes? When does love turn to hate? It is the answers to questions like these that C.J. Wynn seeks to find during her research, interviews and writing. With empathy and passion, C.J. seeks to bring the reader directly into the atmosphere, making you feel like you are smackdab in the middle as events are unfolding. Through rich storytelling that brings into focus details that may have otherwise been overlooked, and providing analytical insight into the behavioral components of each crime she researches, C.J. Wynn leverages her psychology background to deliver a thorough, complex scope into the depths of these stories.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 14, 2025
Great Read
This was the second book I had read regarding the terrible tragedy of an ex-con who, with a whole cast of characters, murdered two men and visited both corruption and fraud on two families and many others. This author has written an excellent book that contains much more information and keeps the reader immersed in the twists and turns of a complicated conspiracy of crime.
This was the second book I had read regarding the terrible tragedy of an ex-con who, with a whole cast of characters, murdered two men and visited both corruption and fraud on two families and many others. This author has written an excellent book that contains much more information and keeps the reader immersed in the twists and turns of a complicated conspiracy of crime.
June 28, 2025
Brilliant narration from Marcus Barton
James may be a man of charm but he is ruthless and full of greed and power hungry. He has a criminal past that he has hidden at the same time rising to oilfield royalty. Sarah his wife is no better. Living on lies that can found out at any time. When it crumbles revenge is all James wants.
While this is happening a young man K.C goes missing only leaving behind his belongings, two years later Doug a family man is gunned down in his own home.
One think in common is their connection to Jame.
Full on drama, action, full on pace.
James may be a man of charm but he is ruthless and full of greed and power hungry. He has a criminal past that he has hidden at the same time rising to oilfield royalty. Sarah his wife is no better. Living on lies that can found out at any time. When it crumbles revenge is all James wants.
While this is happening a young man K.C goes missing only leaving behind his belongings, two years later Doug a family man is gunned down in his own home.
One think in common is their connection to Jame.
Full on drama, action, full on pace.
January 21, 2026
This true-crime tale is a real page turner. With lots of characters and moving parts the narrative can be a bit confusing at times — but it all comes together in the end. I applaud C.J. Wynn’s tenacity to gather the facts and share this important story of greed, cruelty and loss.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews