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Riders on the Storm
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The chilling real-life crime that inspired a rock 'n' roll classic.
Seventy-five years ago, in the winter of 1951, a young hitchhiker named Billy Cook set off on a brutal cross-country killing spree that shocked the nation. Over the course of several harrowing days, Cook left a trail of terror stretching from Missouri to California and beyond, targeting unsuspecting Good Samaritans who offered him a ride. His cold-blooded crimes captured headlines, terrified travelers, and led to one of the most intense manhunts at that time in American history.
More than two decades later, the haunting legacy of Billy Cook would echo through popular culture-most notably in the eerie lyrics and mood of The Doors' iconic 1971 song, Riders on the Storm.
Part true crime thriller, part historical chronicle, Riders on the Storm uncovers the full story behind Cook's rampage and the devastating impact of his actions on the families of his victims. Drawing from original court documents, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary reporting, this gripping account brings to life one of the darkest chapters in mid-century American crime.
Perfect for fans of In Cold Blood, Helter Skelter, and Mindhunter, this is a must-read for true crime aficionados and classic rock historians alike.
Seventy-five years ago, in the winter of 1951, a young hitchhiker named Billy Cook set off on a brutal cross-country killing spree that shocked the nation. Over the course of several harrowing days, Cook left a trail of terror stretching from Missouri to California and beyond, targeting unsuspecting Good Samaritans who offered him a ride. His cold-blooded crimes captured headlines, terrified travelers, and led to one of the most intense manhunts at that time in American history.
More than two decades later, the haunting legacy of Billy Cook would echo through popular culture-most notably in the eerie lyrics and mood of The Doors' iconic 1971 song, Riders on the Storm.
Part true crime thriller, part historical chronicle, Riders on the Storm uncovers the full story behind Cook's rampage and the devastating impact of his actions on the families of his victims. Drawing from original court documents, eyewitness accounts, and contemporary reporting, this gripping account brings to life one of the darkest chapters in mid-century American crime.
Perfect for fans of In Cold Blood, Helter Skelter, and Mindhunter, this is a must-read for true crime aficionados and classic rock historians alike.
370 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 14, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2091 people want to read
About the author
Sherri Kukla
86 books57 followersSherri Kukla is is a fan of mysteries, both reading them and writing. She is the author of MotoMysteries, a faith-based mystery series for middle grade kids and the Dry Brook mystery series for adult readers. She is also the co-founder and publisher, along with her husband, Steve, of S&S Off Road Magazine.
Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren. Sherri and Steve reside in a small desert community in Southern California.
Sherri and Steve met and married as teenagers. They're not sure where the time went, but over 50 adventurous years have passed. They have four children and three grandchildren. Sherri and Steve reside in a small desert community in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading Sherri Kukla’s excellent first foray into true crime stories. She put so much into it. Taking potentially tedious court and newspaper records, she created a very interesting, easy to read, faith-filled fictionalized story based on facts about a strange, evil man in early 1950s who kidnapped and killed several people over several states on his long road trip. Was Billy Cook truly evil or insane or both? How does faith play into the story? Read this book and determine for yourself. The song, Riders on the Storm, has a couple of lines in it regarding this killing spree; thus the title of the book.
October 10, 2025
If you're a fan of true crime books, this is a must read! If you're not a fan of true crime, this is a must read! Sherri expertly weaves the story into the facts of what was obviously extensive research into the crimes committed and the ensuing trial. This story is compelling from page one all the way through. The details are thorough without being boring. She took an obscure crime that most people have never heard of, victims that have been mostly forgotten, and brought it to life in a respectful way.
I loved this book.
I loved this book.
October 18, 2025
For transparency, I read an early version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Riders on the Storm is a dramatically compelling true story that draws readers deep into one of the most uncanny crimes in modern history. Through hundreds of pages of courtroom transcripts, news articles, and painstaking but essential research, Sherri Kukla constructs a spellbinding narrative that chronicles a nationwide manhunt stretching across multiple states, including my home state of Oklahoma, and into Mexico, an operation that rallied both civilians and law enforcement officials.
But this book is far more than a record of pursuit. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of every life caught in the storm: the victims, the families left shattered, and the officers driven to the edge by a killer who terrorizes without remorse. It leaves readers grappling with a haunting question: Was Billy Cook’s brutality the mark of a psychopath or the scar of a neglected soul?
The lyrics of The Doors’ song that shares the same name— “There's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin' like a toad…If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die”—lend a chilling musicality that mirrors the story’s grim reality and runs quietly in the background of the reader’s mind, driving suspense in every chapter.
In the end, Riders on the Storm is both emotionally devastating and psychologically riveting, a book that terrifies and enlightens in equal measure. With her inaugural entry into the true crime genre, Sherri Kukla establishes herself as a powerful new voice, unafraid to confront the darkest reaches of humanity.
Riders on the Storm is a dramatically compelling true story that draws readers deep into one of the most uncanny crimes in modern history. Through hundreds of pages of courtroom transcripts, news articles, and painstaking but essential research, Sherri Kukla constructs a spellbinding narrative that chronicles a nationwide manhunt stretching across multiple states, including my home state of Oklahoma, and into Mexico, an operation that rallied both civilians and law enforcement officials.
But this book is far more than a record of pursuit. It is a heart-wrenching exploration of every life caught in the storm: the victims, the families left shattered, and the officers driven to the edge by a killer who terrorizes without remorse. It leaves readers grappling with a haunting question: Was Billy Cook’s brutality the mark of a psychopath or the scar of a neglected soul?
The lyrics of The Doors’ song that shares the same name— “There's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin' like a toad…If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die”—lend a chilling musicality that mirrors the story’s grim reality and runs quietly in the background of the reader’s mind, driving suspense in every chapter.
In the end, Riders on the Storm is both emotionally devastating and psychologically riveting, a book that terrifies and enlightens in equal measure. With her inaugural entry into the true crime genre, Sherri Kukla establishes herself as a powerful new voice, unafraid to confront the darkest reaches of humanity.
October 19, 2025
I am in awe of the effort put forth by Sherri Kukla when it comes to not only creating a story that can be vividly seen in our mind as we read, but the expert and professional effort and time spent to gather real and true facts. The authenticity of Riders on the Storm is beyond comprehension. What we read is real. It happened. And Sherri brought it to life in a way I believe, no other can. The story is gripping and often will generate genuine emotion from the reader. I will leave you to discover those emotions.
I have heard it said that there are some avid readers who, for whatever reason, read the last page first before beginning a new novel. Don’t do that! You will deny yourself the necessary feelings in your soul after reading about such a horrific crime. Sherri is an outstanding author. She puts every ounce of her heart and soul into everything she writes. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book, especially if you are one who, for lack of a better term with a subject like this, “enjoys” true crime and learning what REALLY happened. There isn’t a single part that leaves you wondering. I cannot say enough about how this book gripped me as I quickly read and flipped from chapter to chapter. Gripping! I admire and respect this author for her ability to keep Christ in all her writings. I can only imagine how difficult this one was for her to get through as a Godly woman. Clearly, this book touched me and has stuck with me. I could almost write a novel about just that. So to put it simply. Read it!!!! You won’t regret it!!
I have heard it said that there are some avid readers who, for whatever reason, read the last page first before beginning a new novel. Don’t do that! You will deny yourself the necessary feelings in your soul after reading about such a horrific crime. Sherri is an outstanding author. She puts every ounce of her heart and soul into everything she writes. I HIGHLY recommend reading this book, especially if you are one who, for lack of a better term with a subject like this, “enjoys” true crime and learning what REALLY happened. There isn’t a single part that leaves you wondering. I cannot say enough about how this book gripped me as I quickly read and flipped from chapter to chapter. Gripping! I admire and respect this author for her ability to keep Christ in all her writings. I can only imagine how difficult this one was for her to get through as a Godly woman. Clearly, this book touched me and has stuck with me. I could almost write a novel about just that. So to put it simply. Read it!!!! You won’t regret it!!
October 22, 2025
I've reviewed a few of Sherri Kukla’s books. Her writing style is amazing, and the stories just make me want to curl up in a corner and enjoy the book with a hot cup of tea and a snuggly blanket. She draws you in from the beginning, and makes you feel like you are part of the story. I just love her work.
Most of her books, have been more youth focused in the past. Even though I’m old, I loved them. Now she decided to come out with a book that has a more adult writing style, and is based on a true story. I had never heard of the news story before, maybe because it was from 1951, and I wasn’t even born yet. However, when you start reading, you don’t even have to know that it’s something that was on the news back then. It seems just like a modern-day thriller, that you’d see at your local movie theater. There were a few times that I actually jumped, while I was reading the story. She does an amazing job of describing different parts of the story, at different times. Having you jump around a bit, and then having it all come to one final scene that makes you go “WOW!”
This book as a whole is amazing. I’ve told Sherri before, that I could see her amazing writings in her books, one day becoming an award-winning film. She just has a great way to talk to the reader, like you’re sitting down for coffee at the local neighborhood cafe. She just knows how to make it fun, and exciting. I simply cannot wait to see just what she will come out with next.
Most of her books, have been more youth focused in the past. Even though I’m old, I loved them. Now she decided to come out with a book that has a more adult writing style, and is based on a true story. I had never heard of the news story before, maybe because it was from 1951, and I wasn’t even born yet. However, when you start reading, you don’t even have to know that it’s something that was on the news back then. It seems just like a modern-day thriller, that you’d see at your local movie theater. There were a few times that I actually jumped, while I was reading the story. She does an amazing job of describing different parts of the story, at different times. Having you jump around a bit, and then having it all come to one final scene that makes you go “WOW!”
This book as a whole is amazing. I’ve told Sherri before, that I could see her amazing writings in her books, one day becoming an award-winning film. She just has a great way to talk to the reader, like you’re sitting down for coffee at the local neighborhood cafe. She just knows how to make it fun, and exciting. I simply cannot wait to see just what she will come out with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Riders On The Storm is the first book by author Sherri Kukla that I have read, having received an ARC from the author.
Kukla describes a series of real events that took place about 70 years ago. Most people today have not even heard of these events: either being too young or not having been born at the time. Her writing style captures the reader’s attention through the kidnappings and horrific murders of several innocent Good Samaritans; and the search for and capture of the perpetrator. Even the courtroom scenes, which could have been either very dry or ludicrously flamboyant, were deftly woven into the rich narrative. The story does seem to drag on a bit after its natural conclusion (the verdict and aftermath) as the author insisted on making a religious statement that to my mind was unnecessary. But for that, this page-turner might have earned a 5-star rating. Despite that, It’s very good reading.
The author’s epitaph points out the very real people in this book and the counterparts who have been fictionalized. I always appreciate that (and the tremendous amount of research that) goes into an historical fiction book.
This is the real story behind the Doors’ eerily haunting song Riders On The Storm, which I was not aware had a true beginnings. I’ve always loved the song, but I have renewed respect for it now.
Kukla describes a series of real events that took place about 70 years ago. Most people today have not even heard of these events: either being too young or not having been born at the time. Her writing style captures the reader’s attention through the kidnappings and horrific murders of several innocent Good Samaritans; and the search for and capture of the perpetrator. Even the courtroom scenes, which could have been either very dry or ludicrously flamboyant, were deftly woven into the rich narrative. The story does seem to drag on a bit after its natural conclusion (the verdict and aftermath) as the author insisted on making a religious statement that to my mind was unnecessary. But for that, this page-turner might have earned a 5-star rating. Despite that, It’s very good reading.
The author’s epitaph points out the very real people in this book and the counterparts who have been fictionalized. I always appreciate that (and the tremendous amount of research that) goes into an historical fiction book.
This is the real story behind the Doors’ eerily haunting song Riders On The Storm, which I was not aware had a true beginnings. I’ve always loved the song, but I have renewed respect for it now.
November 21, 2025
This is a good mix of truth and fiction and the fact that the crimes took place some 70 plus years ago allows this to be done without too much scrutiny of which is which. Nonetheless, the author includes a helpful summary of which characters are purely fictional and which are not. The story is a sad one and the author does a good job of ensuring that the focus is on the events rather than the grisly details of the crimes themselves. The inclusion of the court processes makes for a complete picture of what the justice system was like in the 1950s and there are also some fascinating side events which would be unheard of now, such as the treatment of the corpse after Cook’s death. I felt the author did a good job of giving depth to the experiences and characters of the victims, making the information real and credible when it is simply not possible to know what really happened at the end of their lives,
November 1, 2025
If you love true crime, you need to read this book! The author, through extensive research, presents a chilling account of the life, crimes and trial of convicted killer William (Billy) Cook.
The story ponders the question "Was Billy Cook clinically insane or just pure evil?; or simply put nature vs. nurture. The story was detailed without being boring, detailing the stories and observations of everyone affected by the killer's actions.
The lyrics of the Doors song, Riders on the Storm, "there's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin like a toad...If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die" played through my head throughout this chilling account of a devastating and emotional story.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased review. #ridersonthestorm #sherrikukla
The story ponders the question "Was Billy Cook clinically insane or just pure evil?; or simply put nature vs. nurture. The story was detailed without being boring, detailing the stories and observations of everyone affected by the killer's actions.
The lyrics of the Doors song, Riders on the Storm, "there's a killer on the road. His brain is squirmin like a toad...If you give this man a ride, sweet family will die" played through my head throughout this chilling account of a devastating and emotional story.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my unbiased review. #ridersonthestorm #sherrikukla
October 24, 2025
Quite often I read a book cover to cover in one setting, but this one was much meatier than those. Reading this book was like savoring a good steak. I had to read it slowly a bite at a time to digest it all. I've read other books by this author so I knew this would be another winner. It definitely is!
Because it was based on a true story much of the courtroom proceedings were transcribed verbatim. Which made it seem as if the reader were actually part of the story. It's sad to see how this young man's early childhood influenced him to follow such a dark, deadly path.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
Because it was based on a true story much of the courtroom proceedings were transcribed verbatim. Which made it seem as if the reader were actually part of the story. It's sad to see how this young man's early childhood influenced him to follow such a dark, deadly path.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
November 14, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read other books by this author and she never fails at keeping the stories thought provoking and entertaining. She brings a never ending passion to the story and different twists and turns in the direction the reader takes. She brings life to all her fictional characters and story elements. This one is more intense than some of the others by using factual information with non fictional characters that she melds into the story perfectly. Every one of her stories are different but all carry the same message of hope, passion and positive outcomes in one way or the other. She is truly a gifted storyteller with strong family values and support. Nice work Sherri. Corky
December 1, 2025
Despite consuming true crime for years, I had never heard of this string of incidents before stumbling upon this book, so I was happy for the chance to read an ARC copy through BookSirens.
Without giving anything away, the story progressed fluidly and included some of what happened after the crimes were committed. I say some, because there weren't enough details for my personal taste but I'm guessing there weren't more details to be had, which must also explain some of the fictional liberties that were taken to "flesh out" the story, as the author explains at the end.
Tragic events, but a good read if you're a fan of this genre.
Without giving anything away, the story progressed fluidly and included some of what happened after the crimes were committed. I say some, because there weren't enough details for my personal taste but I'm guessing there weren't more details to be had, which must also explain some of the fictional liberties that were taken to "flesh out" the story, as the author explains at the end.
Tragic events, but a good read if you're a fan of this genre.
December 9, 2025
If you are a fan of true crime and also a music fan this is just the book for you. The story behind the song Riders on the Storm by the Doors will have a whole new meaning for you.
I love true crime and this is one of the most fascinating. The author did a great job of looking into all aspects of the case. William Cook was a crazy person and evil to his very core. I got chills down my spine as I read this book.
Grab this book and settle in to read a crime book that is going to stay with you for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley, #Sherri Kukla for writing it and BooksGoSocial for the copy of #Riders on the Storm. This is my personal review.
I love true crime and this is one of the most fascinating. The author did a great job of looking into all aspects of the case. William Cook was a crazy person and evil to his very core. I got chills down my spine as I read this book.
Grab this book and settle in to read a crime book that is going to stay with you for a long time.
Thank you NetGalley, #Sherri Kukla for writing it and BooksGoSocial for the copy of #Riders on the Storm. This is my personal review.
October 15, 2025
Reading this book of true crime left me with thought provoking moments of unanswered difficult questions. Was Billy Cook the product of his environment and a victim or by choice a calculating cruel person intent on causing harm and suffering to those he came across. It seems as though special people were placed in his life early and I love the faith-filled aspect throughout the book. Obviously the author spent countless hours pouring over manuscripts and documents to weave together this story. I will let you answer for yourself if love can overcome all evil. Or does each person have the choice of free will which will determine his/ her destiny.
October 27, 2025
This is the most fascinating, interesting, compelling, and unique book I've read in a long time. It will "sit with you", as it did me. Even in telling from various viewpoints: LEO'S lawyers, journalists, every day citizen, spectators the courtroom, guards, victims, etc it was not convoluted or confusing. The story took me on an emotional roller coaster and will stay with me.
I can not imagine the amount of research, emotional upheaval, and heart that the author put into this book.
This is a definite must read.
I can not imagine the amount of research, emotional upheaval, and heart that the author put into this book.
This is a definite must read.
December 5, 2025
A novel by Sherri Kukla
Accuracy to facts, yet fiction! This was an enthralling book about murder, societal influence on individuals, and the outcome those influences foster. If you're looking for historical facts interspersed with fiction, this book by Sherri Kukla suspencfully pulls you into the story right to the final page. Details left little to the imagination, and I found myself hoping for a better ending. That being said, a good writer can draw you in and keep you hooked until the final page. That is what Sherri Kukla did in this novel. Well done!
Accuracy to facts, yet fiction! This was an enthralling book about murder, societal influence on individuals, and the outcome those influences foster. If you're looking for historical facts interspersed with fiction, this book by Sherri Kukla suspencfully pulls you into the story right to the final page. Details left little to the imagination, and I found myself hoping for a better ending. That being said, a good writer can draw you in and keep you hooked until the final page. That is what Sherri Kukla did in this novel. Well done!
December 21, 2025
This is a must-read for true crime readers. The book is about one bad dude named Billy Cook. He went on a killing spree 75 years ago. Some people are just born bad. Unsuspecting good Samaritans were his easy victims. Killing a family with little children he has to be very sick. The book covers his life and the terrible things he did. The song " Riders On The Storm " is about this. It's hard to put down if you can stomach the crimes he did. I would like to thank S&S Publishing Inc. for a free advance copy to read and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2025
This book by Sherri Kukla is based on a true story, it is steeped in factual details from the crime as it occured. Sherri really took the time to blend historic accuracy with inferrence and imagination to round out the whole story and make for a concise yet attention keeping read. I really enjoyed the layout of the chapters with the dates and locations & I always appreciate and love how she weaves God and Christianity into her writings.
October 27, 2025
I don't usually like historical fiction but I was part of the advanced reader group for this book. if anything would change my mind, this was it! what a perfectly crafted account of one of the most notorious serial killers William E. Cook. I was pulled into othe story immediately. The attention to detail and amount of research that went into this is amazing. The characters jump out of the page. By the end, I was in tears wanting salvation for Billy. This is a definite must read!
October 19, 2025
Riders in the Storm is the first novel I've read based off of a true crime that happened. I liked how the author let me know at the end of the book what characters and events were true and which were not.
This story made an impact on me of how one person can touch so many lives in the ripple effect of his crimes. I hadn't heard of this person before and so this was totally new to me.
This story made an impact on me of how one person can touch so many lives in the ripple effect of his crimes. I hadn't heard of this person before and so this was totally new to me.
October 23, 2025
Love this book. I really enjoyed getting the character building within the story. The historical referencing is great and really brings the story alive.
I am very familiar with the author and I believe this to be her best yet!
Get a cozy spot with a hot cup of tea and settle in, you won't want to put it down.
I am very familiar with the author and I believe this to be her best yet!
Get a cozy spot with a hot cup of tea and settle in, you won't want to put it down.
October 27, 2025
Great Read!!! I had to keep remembering this was a based on a true story, inter woven with items by Sherri. The amount of research this book must have taken and knowing how to weave the time line together is so very impressive!!! Find a cozy place to settle in for a intriguing journey that Sherri leads you on!!
November 9, 2025
If you've ever heard the song by Jim Morrison and the Doors, Riders On The Storm and wondered what the lyrics are about, then this book is a must read. Respectfully written, author Sherry Kukla takes the reader on a "ride along", giving both fact and literary license to the story of murderer Billy Cook.
November 19, 2025
This was such an interesting read. I really appreciated the notes from the author on what were real facts and people and what wasn’t. The author gave a lot of depth to every person involved every step of the way in the case. I found myself speeding through this book and intrigued by the case itself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
Spell-binding! I had to keep reading to see what I would discover in the storyline. Lots of emotions occur in this well written book. Those who lived out the ordeal came to life as I read. I could understand each different viewpoint.
October 23, 2025
Good book! The characters were based on real people, clearly great research went into this, made the read very interesting!
October 10, 2025
I enjoyed reading Sherri Kukla’s excellent first foray into true crime stories. She put so much into it. Taking potentially tedious court and newspaper records, she created a very interesting, easy to read, faith-filled fictionalized story based on facts about a strange, evil man in early 1950s who kidnapped and killed several people over several states on his long road trip. Was Billy Cook truly evil or insane or both? How does faith play into the story? Read this book and determine for yourself. The song, Riders on the Storm, has a couple of lines in it regarding this killing spree; thus the title of the book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews