By the River's Edge: A True Story of Identity and Serial Murder

by Gregg Olsen

The decades-long manhunt for a serial killer takes a stunning turn in a haunting and harrowing true crime shocker by Gregg Olsen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of If You Tell.

In 1990 in Washington state, the bodies of Yolanda Sapp, Nickie Lowe, and Kathy Brisbois were found on the banks of the Spokane River. They were part of a close-knit alliance of sex workers whose oath to protect each other was, in the end, hopeless. For twenty-two years their brutal murders went unsolved.

In 2012, a DNA cold hit pointed to Douglas Perry. A repeat assault offender, Douglas was currently incarcerated in Carswell, Texas. But there was a twist: The facility was for female prisoners. The man authorities hunted for decades was now Donna Perry. Her gender reassignment not only helped to mask the evil deeds of the past, it ended a life of childhood traumas and a pent-up rage unleashed on nearly thirty victims, according to Donna herself. Through total reinvention, she believed she’d finally slayed the monster within.

By the River’s Edge is the astonishing true story of an elusive serial killer, an escape plan like no other, and the women who lived and died on the fringes of the Lilac City for whom justice was at long last served.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History

349 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

About the author

Throughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.

A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Olsen has written ten nonfiction books, ten novels, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News; CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen’s Snapped, Court TV’s Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E’s Biography.

In addition to television and radio appearances, the award-winning author has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People, Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).

Reviews

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about this case before reading this book. I’m not from the U.S., and surprisingly, there isn’t a huge amount of easily accessible information about it online beyond a few articles and crime show mentions. So going in, I was learning a lot of details for the first time.

First of all, it’s clear that the author put serious effort into researching this case. The level of detail and care in presenting the timeline, the investigation and the people involved really stood out.

True crime is always difficult to "rate" in the same way as fiction. It’s not about twists or character arcs, it’s about facts, real victims and real consequences. In that sense, I think the book did what it set out to do. The pacing was mostly steady (I did felt sometimes was a bit slower, but it didn't bother me too much) and kept me engaged throughout, even though the subject matter is undeniably heavy.

There were moments where the narrative felt slightly repetitive and a few times I almost forgot I was reading nonfiction because it unfolded with the intensity of a thriller. But overall, it was informative, disturbing and thoughtfully told.

A solid 4★ for me.

Thank you NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the River’s Edge is the second true crime book I’ve read from Gregg Olsen, and this was a doozy of a case. I had heard of the story before, but never in so much detail. A large portion of the book is taken directly from police interrogations and court testimony, which made everything feel deeply immersive and harrowing. This was such a unique and unprecedented case, but as always with true crime, it was also tragic and heartbreaking for the victims and families involved in these senseless crimes.

[Whitnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true-crime story with a fascinating real case and solid research. While the subject matter is compelling, the pacing can feel slow and repetitive at times. A decent read for true-crime fans, but not my favorite by Gregg Olsen.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This being a true story is just crazy. I've never heard of a situation like in this book and I follow true crime a lot
. It was one crazy eye opening unbelievable book.
If you love true crime you must read this.
And if course the author is brilliant.
My heart goes out to the families

Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book.

[Jim Holscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review.

What a hammer blow of a book! This is a true gem of a true crime book. We are taken on a dark trip to the State of Washington where we meet Douglass Perry... Or should I say Donna Perry, a truly loathsome individual who took 3 lives and was able to evade capture by claiming gender dysphoria.

The true stars of this story are the victims, who are portrayed with reality and dignity. The writing is paced perfectly. 4 very enthusiastic stars!!!

[Joshua Wilson-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, this book had my full attention. The level of detail is incredible, and it’s clear just how much research and respect went into telling this story. I honestly struggled to put it down.

What makes this book so powerful is the writing itself. Gregg Olsen has a way of presenting real events in a way that feels immersive and compelling without ever feeling sensationalized. The narrative flows smoothly, the pacing is excellent, and even with the amount of detail included, it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it adds depth and weight, making every part of the story feel important.

The book explores a chilling true story involving identity, deception, and long-buried truths. Without giving anything away, the way Olsen unpacks the lives involved, particularly Donna Rebecca Perry / Douglas Perry, is both fascinating and haunting. You’re not just reading about crimes, you’re learning about people, their choices, and the devastating impact those choices had on others. I found myself constantly wanting to understand more, not out of morbid curiosity, but because the story is told with such humanity. The emotional weight of the story really lands, and it stayed with me long after I finished reading.

I don’t really know how to fully put into words how much I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about this case. It’s disturbing, thought-provoking, and incredibly well written. If you enjoy true crime that is detailed, respectful, and genuinely absorbing, By the River’s Edge is an absolute must-read.

It’s most definitely a clear 5 stars from me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC copy.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what I love most about Gregg Olsen's books? He just understands the assignment. With great true crime, you just tell the story. Give the victims and their families a voice. Don't make excuses for the killer, but make them human. Finally, give the reader the story points they need to understand all the twists, turns, and investigative pitfalls. Once again, Olsen nails it with By the River's Edge.

This is not a story with an unknown killer lurking in the shadows until the final act. You know from the book summary that they were killed by Douglas Perry. The twist is that Douglas is now Donna. Where others would editorialize this fact, Olsen stays on task. He tells the story of the murders of Yolanda Sapp, Nickie Lowe, and Kathy Brisbois. I listed them out because this is one of the few serial killer books where I could actually name the victims from memory because Olsen makes them matter to the story. Each of these women was a sex worker, but also a mother, daughter, sister, or all three. Perry's murder of each of them is a tragedy and not book fodder.

I've read a few of Olsen's books, and I am somehow always surprised at how easily they flow. The book is north of 300 pages, but they fly by to the point it feels like 100 pages. There aren't extensive diatribes or the author trying to show off how much work he did in researching. This shows towards the end when he expertly provides the essential text of the family members in court. What can I say? The dude is really good at this.

(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by Thomas & Mercer.)

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the River's Edge by Gregg Olsen

There is no way I can say I enjoyed this true crime book. It contains so much I wish I never knew but I'm so glad that so much of what this murderer did was finally brought to light. Douglas who changed to Donna, is a serial killer and no changing of gender can erase all the horror that Douglas inflicted on others. Changing genders still left a trail of bodies behind and those dead woman needed the name of their murderer brought to light, whether the name used is Douglas or Donna.

It's not just the murders that are so disturbing. It's also that there are men and women who are trapped in their own special nightmare of addiction and mental illness in such ways that mean they will always be exposing themselves to danger and death for financial and other reasons. Women and men working the streets, selling their bodies, and driven to do things most would never want to do, are placed in situations where demented and cruel people can prey on them. These women were there for the taking when Douglas was in the mood to take. Whether it was upbringing, family life, whatever, Douglas grew up a troubled man and others paid the price for his inability to live a crimefree life.

Douglas, as Donna, thought the murders were in the past. Donna was living in a women's prison and if authorities were looking for the murderer of the women Douglas murdered, they surely weren't looking for a woman. Yet times and science move on and with the help of a DNA hit in 2012, it pointed to Douglas as a suspect in several murders. But Douglas was in a women's prison as Donna and what comes after that is so very interesting as the tangled web of Douglas/Donna and bad deeds is unwoven.

Many people were involved in bringing Perry to justice decades after crimes were committed and genders were changed. Witnesses and families came forward despite how difficult doing so would be on them, investigators who never gave up, never forgot the names of dead, kept coming back to try to find a serial killer who would not be found. I read mysteries, thrillers, and horror stories but nothing is as horrific as real life. I'm glad I read the book but would like to not read another like this one for a long time to come.

Expected pub June 23, 2026

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Cc Readsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release: June 23, 2026
Author: Gregg Olsen
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Rating: 4 ★ 

Thoughts:
This was disturbing but incredibly compelling. It leans heavily into the investigative side, and I appreciated how it centered the victims rather than just the killer. Definitely not an easy read, but it sticks with you.

This book suits someone in the mood for something: dark, informative, tense
Pace: medium
Plot or Character Driven?: n/a
Strong Character Development?: n/a
Loveable Characters?: n/a
Diverse Cast?: yes
Are Character Flaws a Main Focus?: yes
Main Themes / Tropes:
true crime, serial killer, cold case, justice system, marginalized victims

Synopsis:
This true crime narrative reconstructs a decades-long investigation into a series of brutal murders that haunted a Washington community, illuminating both the systemic failures and relentless pursuit of justice that defined the case. Through meticulous detail, the account foregrounds the lives of the victims while unraveling the complex identity and history of the perpetrator. The result is a sobering examination of violence, accountability, and the long-delayed reckoning that ultimately brought truth to light.

Favorite Quote:
"no one doing the work hunched over in a strangers car, on the bed in a shithole motel, or crouched down low in some alleyway ever dreamed of being a street hooker."

[Jacob & Rachael Borchert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly just wow. I don’t think I have ever read a true crime book. Podcasts? Sure, love them. But books? Typically I like to stick to fun fiction and romance then dip into a thriller here or there.
By The River’s Edge is a true story of something you would think would have to be made up. I can’t say I’ve ever heard of this story and understandably so. It is a very hard story to tell to maintain neutrality and respect for all parties involved but I do feel Gregg Olsen did this so well. It is not easy to cover the sensitive topics of prostitution and gender identity. Douglas Perry, a man, accused of murdering three women, all sex workers in “the circle”, a group of women that look out for each other. However, 20 years after the crimes, Douglas Perry is actually now Donna Perry, who underwent a gender reassignment surgery in Thailand. Was this a way to stop the killings of the man Douglas Perry? Or was this a tactic to get away with murder? We may never know. But this is the story from multiple angles on Douglas/Donna Perry and the three women: Yolanda Sapp, Nickie Lowe, and Kathy Brisbois who were all taken too soon.

Thank you to Gregg Olsen and NetGalley for the ARC copy.

[Reads by Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This true crime book about a 1990s Spokane serial killer tells a compelling and heartbreaking story, especially in its portrayal of the victims and their families. It reads more like a detailed case file, dense with facts, repeated conversations, and extensive documentation.

While the thoroughness provides a complete and well-rounded view of the case, it can feel repetitive and slow at times, which may lessen its emotional impact. If you're expecting a fast paced, psychological thriller style this is not for you but if you prefer an in depth, factual approach to true crime, you will likely appreciate the level of detail and the way multiple perspectives, particularly from witnesses and detectives, are woven together.

The book also raises intriguing questions, including the complexities of prosecuting a defendant who transitioned genders after committing the crimes, and the claim that this transition ended prior violent impulses. Overall, it is an interesting and thought provoking case, though the heavy, detail focused style may not appeal to everyone.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for ARC!

[Dwon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a very interesting true crime story about serial killer from Spokane in the 1990s. I went into this book expecting it to be written in a similar way to If You Tell (same author), but this novel is more like just reading a case file. Lots of facts, lots of regurgitated conversations, and lots of repetitiveness. The story itself is heartbreaking aa far as the victims and their families are concerned, and infuriating where Donna is concerned, but with all the details and conversations being repeated throughout the book, it was a little boring at times. If you like a true crime book that focuses on the facts instead of being told in a way that makes you forget you're not just reading another psychologica lthriller,, this book is for you. Like I said, the story is interesting for sure, I just do not care for this type of format in true crime.

[Amanda Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating true crime case that I, and I’m sure many others, had never heard of prior to reading this book. It was incredibly well-researched, and the facts of the case laid out in this book were far more than one can find in a simple Google search (this is one of my pet peeves with some true crime). The narrative was also very well-written, and it mostly read as a story rather than a case file. The author also handled sensitive topics quite thoughtfully.
The first part of the book did get repetitive, which made it difficult to get hooked. As I continued reading, however, I felt the pacing improved and I became more engaged. Overall, I felt this was a solid, well-written, intriguing true crime story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Gregg Olsen for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Anya Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This true-crime account follows a trail of violence rooted in Spokane’s street world, beginning with Yolanda Sapp’s death and continuing through the murders of Nickie Lowe and Kathy Brisbois, as detectives chase leads that fade into years of silence. What makes the book especially gripping is its layered take on justice and identity. Decades later, DNA points to Douglas Robert Perry, now Donna Rebecca Perry, serving time in a women’s prison. The case forces everyone, investigators, courts, and families, to confront accountability that stretches across time and a gender transition without shifting the central question: who harmed these women, and how do the victims finally get justice?
23 years later, it ends with a hard won result: life without parole sentence for Donna.

[Alyssa Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of "The River's Edge" by Gregg Olsen. This book explores a true crime narrative with a focus on all of the details. While the depth of information offers a full look at the case, it can sometimes feel overwhelming and took away from the story. Readers looking for a fast-paced true crime thriller might find all of the many details repetitive, which in my opinion took away from the story. However, if you're interested in a thorough look into this case, it definitely provides that. Fascinating case that took place right in my home town. Definitely not my favorite by this author but give it a go if you like ALL of the detail.

[Rachel MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregg Olsen does a wonderful job at turning facts and history into a coherent story. This is not my typical genre, but I can definitely understand how others would enjoy it. I was particularly impressed at how seamlessly the various witness and detective experiences were intertwined to give a complete picture. It was also interesting to learn the extra concerns presented in trying a defendant who'd transitioned to a woman, but had previously committed these horrible crimes as a woman. Donna Perry alleged that transitioning to a woman ended the violence and impulses of Douglas which is a very thought-provoking concept.

[Kayla Erdmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Thomas and Mercer along with NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I always love reading true crime from Gregg Olsen, this certainly won't be my last. I appreciate Gregg Olsen's stellar research and the care he takes to craft his novels into something more than just facts. By The River's Edge had medium pacing as are his other works. The attention to detail and timeline is impeccable. If you like true crime and listening to podcasts that dive more into the people involved, I suggest checking out Gregg Olsen's novels!

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the River's Edge by Gregg Olsen, A True Story of Identity and Serial Murder - Well researched, detailed, comprehensive, and compelling told with the focus on the human aspect rather than sensationalizing the events and circumstances. The updates at the end of the book were enlightening and gave more insight to the people involved in the investigations and the family members.

Thank you to Gregg Olsen, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregg Olsen is the master of true crime stories.

He covered the story and trial of Donna Perry, who was found guilty and sentenced as a serial killer for the murder of 3 prostitutes almost 30 years earlier.

What makes the story so significant is that Donna had been born Douglas, a hermaphrodite that was surgically kept a boy. Seemingly, Donna had the sex change to distance herself from the murders.

It was a great recall of events from many different viewpoints.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've yet to be disappointed by a book from this author and this one did not disappoint either. Gregg Olsen has a unique ability to outline all the facts of the story without it being dry. Further the reader gets to know the people, from the accused to the victims and those involved in the legal process. My favorite true crime author. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the River's Edge by Gregg Olsenpublished by Thomas & Mercer is a non fiction true crime story.
A story that spans decades with twists and turns galore. Twists, some things you just can't make up.
1990 in NY bodies were found. And in 2012 DNA leads to Douglas P. But with a new identity, investigators have their hands full.
The story had me in suspense right from the start, til the very unexpected end. I read the book in one single sitting, unable to put it down. 5 stars.

[Gabby Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a solid true crime story. Exceedingly well-researched and reported, this book handled sensitive subject matter respectfully.

However, it did get repetitive at times. We did not need a word for word transcription of an interview, then the same transcription shared again in its entirety during the trial. A summarization the second time would have sufficed.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true crime story of Douglas/Donna Perry, a Spokane area resident who killed three prostitutes in the 1990's. Perry escaped law enforcement for years- and when they finally got enough evidence to arrest him, they discover that he has had a gender reassignment surgery. She is now Donna Perry.
Gregg Olsen usually does a great job in making books like this very interesting. However, this time I found the book very repetitive.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Gregg Olsen, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC of By the River’s Edge. This true crime story explores a serial killing by person with a complicated and unique mental health history. There were elements here that I found interesting, but overall the writing was repetitive and as a result this was not as engaging a read as I had hoped for.

[Molly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

Wow, it read like a Law and Order episode! Such an intriguing story. This true story is well researched and written in an easy-to-follow manner, finding myself invested in all the victims. One of my favorites Gregg Olsen has written!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this as an ARC and it was very well and respectfully written. It was clear Olsen paid close attention to detail in writing about this case and put a lot of care into research. Great read for anyone interested in true crime cases!

[Nikki Losin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read By the Rivera Edge by Gregg Olsen as an advanced copy from NetGalley and found it to be a tense thriller. The suspense builds well, and I enjoyed how the different perspectives slowly reveal the darker layers of the story. A solid, gripping read for true crime fans.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this ARC via NetGalley.
Such a complex true crime story. Thoughtfully wrote and kept me intrigued the entire time.

[Crystal Tipton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do enjoy true crime books, but this was just all over the place for me with too much unnecessary information.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the River’s Edge provides a thorough account of the true crimes committed against 3 sex workers in 1990 and the investigation that followed. However, Gregg Olsen’s excellent writing and narrative style at times made me forget that this was in fact nonfiction. The amount of time and effort that it must take to write a book like this is quite impressive.

In telling the story of Douglas Perry, Olsen brings to light the impact of childhood trauma on mental health, as well as the topics of drug addiction and gender identity. There were points where it felt like transgender was treated with a bit of a flippant attitude, but I would attribute this to the opinions of the real-life players and not the author’s own perspective.

My only gripe with the book is that it felt repetitive at times, although that may be the result of conveying events from multiple points of view.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read By the River’s Edge ahead of its official publication date.