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The Vampire's Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder
A self-proclaimed vampire.
His harem of "witches."
And the small-town murder that shocked America.
When twenty-four-year-old Sydney Loofe disappeared after a Tinder date, the quiet town of Wilber, Nebraska was stunned. Days later, her dismembered body was found scattered across nearby fields—and the horrifying truth began to emerge. Sydney hadn't just met the wrong man. She had crossed paths with a deeply disturbed psychopath and his dangerous accomplice.
In The Vampire's Cult, investigative journalist Chet Hardin exposes the twisted world of Aubrey Trail, an aging con man who presented himself as an all-powerful being, and Bailey Boswell, the woman who called herself his "queen." Together, they lured vulnerable young women into a spiral of sex, theft, and psychological manipulation—with deadly consequences.
Through exclusive interviews, firsthand reporting, and chilling detail, Hardin unravels the making of a modern cult—and the social desperation that feeds it. In an era defined by false realities and toxic charisma, The Vampire's Cult reveals just how easily darkness can disguise itself as devotion.
His harem of "witches."
And the small-town murder that shocked America.
When twenty-four-year-old Sydney Loofe disappeared after a Tinder date, the quiet town of Wilber, Nebraska was stunned. Days later, her dismembered body was found scattered across nearby fields—and the horrifying truth began to emerge. Sydney hadn't just met the wrong man. She had crossed paths with a deeply disturbed psychopath and his dangerous accomplice.
In The Vampire's Cult, investigative journalist Chet Hardin exposes the twisted world of Aubrey Trail, an aging con man who presented himself as an all-powerful being, and Bailey Boswell, the woman who called herself his "queen." Together, they lured vulnerable young women into a spiral of sex, theft, and psychological manipulation—with deadly consequences.
Through exclusive interviews, firsthand reporting, and chilling detail, Hardin unravels the making of a modern cult—and the social desperation that feeds it. In an era defined by false realities and toxic charisma, The Vampire's Cult reveals just how easily darkness can disguise itself as devotion.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2026
About the author
Chet Hardin
2 books37 followersChet Hardin is a journalist who specializes in reporting on bad ideas and worse people.
In addition to his years in the newspaper industry, writing for altweeklies in Colorado and New York, Chet has worked in construction, politics, coffee, and technology.
Born in a small town fifteen minutes outside of Pumpkin Center, Chet traveled the country before settling down in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he lives with his artist wife and any number of cats.
In addition to his years in the newspaper industry, writing for altweeklies in Colorado and New York, Chet has worked in construction, politics, coffee, and technology.
Born in a small town fifteen minutes outside of Pumpkin Center, Chet traveled the country before settling down in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he lives with his artist wife and any number of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Audio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review
★ 3.70 stars ★
what a surreal read. when I requested this from the publisher, I had not heard of the Sydney Loofe's murder so I went in completely blind.
Hardin does an excellent job delivering the facts of the case in a narrative way that feels very much like a procedural drama. Of course, that makes me think this is meant to be more of a dramatic retelling of the case rather than real, true journalistic true crime.
all in all, a quick read and very odd. the oddness is what will keep you engaged. everyone involved was so weird. they all needed to go to therapy and learn how to healthily engage in kink.
★ 3.70 stars ★
what a surreal read. when I requested this from the publisher, I had not heard of the Sydney Loofe's murder so I went in completely blind.
Hardin does an excellent job delivering the facts of the case in a narrative way that feels very much like a procedural drama. Of course, that makes me think this is meant to be more of a dramatic retelling of the case rather than real, true journalistic true crime.
all in all, a quick read and very odd. the oddness is what will keep you engaged. everyone involved was so weird. they all needed to go to therapy and learn how to healthily engage in kink.
June 20, 2026
The Vampire’s Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder had me hooked from the title alone and completely pulled me in from the first chapter. This book is every true crime junkie’s bread and butter.
With short, fast-paced chapters and an easy-to-follow narrative, Chet Hardin unravels the story of self-proclaimed vampire and cult leader Aubrey Trail and the shocking murder that rocked a small Nebraska town. Without giving too much away, this case was as disturbing as it was heartbreaking.
If you’ve never heard of this case, I highly recommend going in blind and letting the story unfold as Hardin tells it. The Vampire’s Cult is a chilling reminder of just how far people will go when obsession and devotion outweigh reason and morality.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!
With short, fast-paced chapters and an easy-to-follow narrative, Chet Hardin unravels the story of self-proclaimed vampire and cult leader Aubrey Trail and the shocking murder that rocked a small Nebraska town. Without giving too much away, this case was as disturbing as it was heartbreaking.
If you’ve never heard of this case, I highly recommend going in blind and letting the story unfold as Hardin tells it. The Vampire’s Cult is a chilling reminder of just how far people will go when obsession and devotion outweigh reason and morality.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!
July 21, 2026
The Vampire’s Cult is a seductively written telling of the world gone wrong through the power, control and brainwashing of a con man, who wielded false success on vulnerable and desperate young girls. Girls who appeared so broken, that the attention of an older man, made them feel loved and attractive.
It is so hard to believe that in today’s society of high technology and cellphones, that some of these girls had, didn’t have enough of an inkling that any part of Aubrey Trail’s “stories” of his wealth were checked.
How could a man, who bragged about wealth, have rotten front teeth? And live in a house apartment, in someone’s basement? How does that imply wealth?!
Chet Hardin’s writing gives off the vibe that you’re reading a psychological thriller instead of a true crime novel, which proves the point that this book will mess with your head!
Thanks to Sourcebooks for another fantastic true crime that is definitely an eye opener!
It is so hard to believe that in today’s society of high technology and cellphones, that some of these girls had, didn’t have enough of an inkling that any part of Aubrey Trail’s “stories” of his wealth were checked.
How could a man, who bragged about wealth, have rotten front teeth? And live in a house apartment, in someone’s basement? How does that imply wealth?!
Chet Hardin’s writing gives off the vibe that you’re reading a psychological thriller instead of a true crime novel, which proves the point that this book will mess with your head!
Thanks to Sourcebooks for another fantastic true crime that is definitely an eye opener!
July 29, 2026
This was a lot, a lot. Horrifying and shocking. I wish the focus had been more on the cons and the cult, or the investigation than on the cult’s sexual deviance, though.
RTC.
*ARC received for free, this hasn’t impacted my rating.
RTC.
*ARC received for free, this hasn’t impacted my rating.
July 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
Thank you to NetGalley, Chet Hardin, and Sourcebooks Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was absolutely wild.
I read a lot of thrillers and horror fiction, but few fictional stories are as disturbing as the real events chronicled in The Vampire’s Cult. The most unsettling aspect isn’t the violence itself, it’s realizing that every horrifying event actually happened. Families were destroyed, people were manipulated and abused, and lives were taken in ways that are difficult to comprehend.
What makes this book so effective is the author’s approach. Rather than inserting personal opinions or telling readers what to think, Hardin carefully pieces together the facts, perspectives, and timeline into a compelling narrative. The result reads with the tension of a true crime thriller while maintaining the integrity of the reporting. At times I found myself thinking, “There’s no way this can be real”, only to remember that it was.
Perhaps the most chilling takeaway is not the cult itself, but what it reveals about human nature. The story demonstrates how people can convince themselves to believe almost anything in order to justify their actions, no matter how destructive the consequences.
This wasn’t an easy listen because of the emotional weight of what happened. But it is an important story, thoughtfully told and deeply researched. It’s the kind of true crime book that stays with the reader long after finishing the book, leaving you reflecting not only on the case itself but on the vulnerability of people seeking belonging and purpose. Just be prepared, it will stay with you for quite some time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Chet Hardin, and Sourcebooks Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was absolutely wild.
I read a lot of thrillers and horror fiction, but few fictional stories are as disturbing as the real events chronicled in The Vampire’s Cult. The most unsettling aspect isn’t the violence itself, it’s realizing that every horrifying event actually happened. Families were destroyed, people were manipulated and abused, and lives were taken in ways that are difficult to comprehend.
What makes this book so effective is the author’s approach. Rather than inserting personal opinions or telling readers what to think, Hardin carefully pieces together the facts, perspectives, and timeline into a compelling narrative. The result reads with the tension of a true crime thriller while maintaining the integrity of the reporting. At times I found myself thinking, “There’s no way this can be real”, only to remember that it was.
Perhaps the most chilling takeaway is not the cult itself, but what it reveals about human nature. The story demonstrates how people can convince themselves to believe almost anything in order to justify their actions, no matter how destructive the consequences.
This wasn’t an easy listen because of the emotional weight of what happened. But it is an important story, thoughtfully told and deeply researched. It’s the kind of true crime book that stays with the reader long after finishing the book, leaving you reflecting not only on the case itself but on the vulnerability of people seeking belonging and purpose. Just be prepared, it will stay with you for quite some time.
July 27, 2026
Great storytelling, I went into this book not knowing anything about the crime, and it was a fast paced ride with a lot of suspense. It has all the elements of a good true crime book: a gruesome crime, great "characters" (although obviously they are real flesh and blood persons) , some mystery about what happened, an interesting investigation and some court drama.
A very good page-turner true crime book. The only negative is it could use somo photo inserts about the people involved.
I've got and advance copy from Net Galley. Thank you.
A very good page-turner true crime book. The only negative is it could use somo photo inserts about the people involved.
I've got and advance copy from Net Galley. Thank you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been dipping a toe into true crime for years, and I have become a lot more selective about the type of true crime books I read and the podcasts that I listen to. Reading The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold a few years back had completely changed how I approach true crime stories. I prefer books that center the victims rather than glorifying or detailing the entire life of the people committing the crime.
There is a lot to appreciate about Hardin’s style in this book, although Hardin is a writer who is new to me, so I don’t know much about his signature style. There were a few things that I would have liked to see but didn’t, but there was more about it that I did find intriguing. To start with, Hardin adopts a clear tone that doesn’t even attempt to ‘pretty up’ the crimes of this bizarre cult. He does talk a little bit about the background of each character, devoting significantly more time and some more empathy towards the victims. I was hoping to see more about what led these people to participate in this sick, heinous cult more than anything else, but it wasn’t explored as much as providing a detailed accounting of the events and the people involved.
I did like how straightforward this was. Sources are credited, and the author makes it clear where the information came from, such as from the family of the victims, the victims themselves, law enforcement, and news media. The research done for this book is thorough and meticulous, and it reads like a fictional story even though this is grounded in facts from the case. I just kept thinking, “this can’t be real,” because the facts are so bizarre. An older, unattractive man ropes young women into his schemes, which include various crimes including theft and murder, and proceeds to psychologically manipulate these women to the point where it became a cult.
As I mentioned earlier, I would have liked to know what pushed these people to engage in a cult and do things they normally wouldn’t. There’s a big element of kink involved in the cult, but it’s more like the 50 Shades of Gray kink, aka not actually kink but physical and psychological manipulation, and I wish it had been made more clear that while some of their behaviors could be described as kink, the circumstances involved ensured that this wasn’t going to be a healthy, fully consenting account of kink as opposed to what it really was: abuse.
This was a really engrossing story, although I really struggled to put myself in a mindset where I could understand how these people just accepted the beliefs of this ‘cult,’ even though these women were accomplices to the cult, they were also victims. The women who bought into the weird ideas that Aubrey Trail presented—he was a 500-year-old vampire, drinking blood, and his own personal version of kink where the women had to be naked in the house at all times, one woman had to wear a collar and act like a cat on all fours, and heavy psychological abuse. But what really kept me hooked was wondering why these women would willingly submit to this man who didn’t seem to offer them anything positive.
I read this as an audiobook, narrated by Charles Linshaw. He did a wonderful job with the story, narrating in a grave tone of voice to match these heinous crimes, and managing to keep his voice steady even through the worst behaviors. His voice was engaging and kept me reading long into the night.
Overall, this was one of the most bizarre true-crime stories that I’ve read. Hardin did a great job with telling the story of these events, although he didn’t delve into what made these women willingly fall under the influence of Aubrey Trail. His ‘harem of witches’ were both victims and perpetrators, although I had more trouble extending empathy to them than to the young woman who died at their hands. I had no empathy for Aubrey, and I make no apologies for this. He’s evil personified, and the unusual circumstances he created led to the death of an innocent young woman. My heart broke for her and her family, especially since she was dismembered and her body parts strewn about her small town in Nebraska, which is unimaginably cruel. They never gave a thought about what they were doing and the wide circle of people who have been hurt by their actions, and that’s what this book was able to do—let the people closest to Sydney Loofe talk about her life, not simply her death, and focus the reader’s empathy to Sydney as a woman who met the wrong person on a dating website and got sucked into a dangerous, deadly dynamic of kinky sex, manipulation, and crime. Regardless, this was an outstanding example of a true-crime story that is centered on the victims rather than making the perpetrators seem like anything other than an evil man and his devoted, brainwashed, and manipulated group of female accomplices.
Bottom line: Truth is stranger than fiction, and this fast-paced true crime story proves it with a twisted web of abuse, manipulation, and crime culminating in a heinous murder, although I would have preferred to see a bit more of an exploration into *why* these people did what they did, rather that simply *what* they did.
I’ve been dipping a toe into true crime for years, and I have become a lot more selective about the type of true crime books I read and the podcasts that I listen to. Reading The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold a few years back had completely changed how I approach true crime stories. I prefer books that center the victims rather than glorifying or detailing the entire life of the people committing the crime.
There is a lot to appreciate about Hardin’s style in this book, although Hardin is a writer who is new to me, so I don’t know much about his signature style. There were a few things that I would have liked to see but didn’t, but there was more about it that I did find intriguing. To start with, Hardin adopts a clear tone that doesn’t even attempt to ‘pretty up’ the crimes of this bizarre cult. He does talk a little bit about the background of each character, devoting significantly more time and some more empathy towards the victims. I was hoping to see more about what led these people to participate in this sick, heinous cult more than anything else, but it wasn’t explored as much as providing a detailed accounting of the events and the people involved.
I did like how straightforward this was. Sources are credited, and the author makes it clear where the information came from, such as from the family of the victims, the victims themselves, law enforcement, and news media. The research done for this book is thorough and meticulous, and it reads like a fictional story even though this is grounded in facts from the case. I just kept thinking, “this can’t be real,” because the facts are so bizarre. An older, unattractive man ropes young women into his schemes, which include various crimes including theft and murder, and proceeds to psychologically manipulate these women to the point where it became a cult.
As I mentioned earlier, I would have liked to know what pushed these people to engage in a cult and do things they normally wouldn’t. There’s a big element of kink involved in the cult, but it’s more like the 50 Shades of Gray kink, aka not actually kink but physical and psychological manipulation, and I wish it had been made more clear that while some of their behaviors could be described as kink, the circumstances involved ensured that this wasn’t going to be a healthy, fully consenting account of kink as opposed to what it really was: abuse.
This was a really engrossing story, although I really struggled to put myself in a mindset where I could understand how these people just accepted the beliefs of this ‘cult,’ even though these women were accomplices to the cult, they were also victims. The women who bought into the weird ideas that Aubrey Trail presented—he was a 500-year-old vampire, drinking blood, and his own personal version of kink where the women had to be naked in the house at all times, one woman had to wear a collar and act like a cat on all fours, and heavy psychological abuse. But what really kept me hooked was wondering why these women would willingly submit to this man who didn’t seem to offer them anything positive.
I read this as an audiobook, narrated by Charles Linshaw. He did a wonderful job with the story, narrating in a grave tone of voice to match these heinous crimes, and managing to keep his voice steady even through the worst behaviors. His voice was engaging and kept me reading long into the night.
Overall, this was one of the most bizarre true-crime stories that I’ve read. Hardin did a great job with telling the story of these events, although he didn’t delve into what made these women willingly fall under the influence of Aubrey Trail. His ‘harem of witches’ were both victims and perpetrators, although I had more trouble extending empathy to them than to the young woman who died at their hands. I had no empathy for Aubrey, and I make no apologies for this. He’s evil personified, and the unusual circumstances he created led to the death of an innocent young woman. My heart broke for her and her family, especially since she was dismembered and her body parts strewn about her small town in Nebraska, which is unimaginably cruel. They never gave a thought about what they were doing and the wide circle of people who have been hurt by their actions, and that’s what this book was able to do—let the people closest to Sydney Loofe talk about her life, not simply her death, and focus the reader’s empathy to Sydney as a woman who met the wrong person on a dating website and got sucked into a dangerous, deadly dynamic of kinky sex, manipulation, and crime. Regardless, this was an outstanding example of a true-crime story that is centered on the victims rather than making the perpetrators seem like anything other than an evil man and his devoted, brainwashed, and manipulated group of female accomplices.
Bottom line: Truth is stranger than fiction, and this fast-paced true crime story proves it with a twisted web of abuse, manipulation, and crime culminating in a heinous murder, although I would have preferred to see a bit more of an exploration into *why* these people did what they did, rather that simply *what* they did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a very well-researched book about a string of events I had not heard of before, and yet I'm not convinced it achieves its goal. Hardin notes in the afterword that the events of this story seem wild--and they are--but that he wanted to capture the idea that anyone can be caught in the trap of "magical thinking" and that this could have kind of happened to anyone.
But I don't think it could have. Maybe this is because, intentionally or not, Hardin makes almost everyone in this book out to be incredibly stupid. There are no criminal masterminds here despite a lot of crime happening. They get caught constantly, and anyone with ANY sort of functional vibe-checker would have avoided Aubrey trail like the plague. That the various women in this book didn't (with the exception of poor Sydney, who didn't know she was getting involved with Audrey at all) seems to say something about their level of intelligence...as does them believing, if even for a bit, that he was a vampire with a cult of witches at his command.
There's a lot of abuse in this book and of course NONE of that is excusable with "well they were stupid." Aubrey Trail is obviously a very bad person, and so is Bailey, who was both a victim and joined in perpetuating his abuses. It's a "multiple things can be true at once" scenario. But despite it being so clear how much BAD was happening, it's hard to build up a sense of empathy from this book because the writing is VERY distant and clinical. It's a very "just the facts, ma'am" relation of this case and I guess I would have liked to see some more emotion in it. There's also very little of the WHY this happened, with all of the focus being strictly on the "how." In comparison, Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast, which also came out this summer, goes into so much depth about the perpetrator, the victims, and WHY all of this happened, from an individual level to systemic failures, and that made it a striking work. That sense of depth is missing here.
Overall an sad and weird case, but a book that doesn't really go into it beyond a surface-level recitation of facts.
This is a very well-researched book about a string of events I had not heard of before, and yet I'm not convinced it achieves its goal. Hardin notes in the afterword that the events of this story seem wild--and they are--but that he wanted to capture the idea that anyone can be caught in the trap of "magical thinking" and that this could have kind of happened to anyone.
But I don't think it could have. Maybe this is because, intentionally or not, Hardin makes almost everyone in this book out to be incredibly stupid. There are no criminal masterminds here despite a lot of crime happening. They get caught constantly, and anyone with ANY sort of functional vibe-checker would have avoided Aubrey trail like the plague. That the various women in this book didn't (with the exception of poor Sydney, who didn't know she was getting involved with Audrey at all) seems to say something about their level of intelligence...as does them believing, if even for a bit, that he was a vampire with a cult of witches at his command.
There's a lot of abuse in this book and of course NONE of that is excusable with "well they were stupid." Aubrey Trail is obviously a very bad person, and so is Bailey, who was both a victim and joined in perpetuating his abuses. It's a "multiple things can be true at once" scenario. But despite it being so clear how much BAD was happening, it's hard to build up a sense of empathy from this book because the writing is VERY distant and clinical. It's a very "just the facts, ma'am" relation of this case and I guess I would have liked to see some more emotion in it. There's also very little of the WHY this happened, with all of the focus being strictly on the "how." In comparison, Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast, which also came out this summer, goes into so much depth about the perpetrator, the victims, and WHY all of this happened, from an individual level to systemic failures, and that made it a striking work. That sense of depth is missing here.
Overall an sad and weird case, but a book that doesn't really go into it beyond a surface-level recitation of facts.
Read
August 6, 2026Prior to my reading of The Vampire's Cult by Chet Hardin I was not familiar with the true crime case surrounding Sydney Loofe. Loofe was a twenty four year old woman who was coerced, assaulted, murdered and dismembered by two heinous people.
I think it is important to note that the focus of this book is primarily on the two perpetrators, Aubrey Trail & Bailey Boswell, and secondarily on murder victim Sydney Loofe.
Aubrey Trail, a lying manipulative conman, promoted himself to the women he met as a powerful vampire with a coven of witches at his disposal. He used money, coercion & threats to attract & hold onto relationships with these women who were often pressured into criminal & sexual acts.
While many of the women in Aubrey's orbit got away from him, Bailey Boswell did not and acted as a bridge between Aubrey and other women. She assisted with his schemes, engaged in his deviant proclivities, and in the end helped him murder someone and cover it up.
I think this book had some missed opportunities. I wish it would have delved more into topics like coercive control, human psychology, issues within the justice system, and capital punishment.
There's a lot that can be said about what happens when vulnerable people who are desperate for domestic and financial solutions, seeking acceptance, struggling with past trauma, and wanting a feeling of magic and respite from their lives, discover someone/something they see as a solution.
Both Aubrey and Bailey are guilty of the crimes they committed. While I have sympathy for Bailey because of some of the things that she experienced, it is difficult to view her as anything other than a violent offender who was complicit in the crimes she took part in. It is clear that Aubrey used money and fantasy to assert influence and employ control, but in the end Bailey did what she did.
The case was interesting but overall I found the book to be a passably written account that relied on the salacious details of the lifestyle Aubrey had with Bailey and the other women he took under his wing. It is also discouraging to know that Aubrey, who enjoys the attention and notoriety from his crimes, is likely pleased by the fact that he now has a book written about him.
Thank you to Sourcebooks who provided me with an eARC of this book through NetGalley. The Vampire's Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder by Chet Hardin is out NOW!
I think it is important to note that the focus of this book is primarily on the two perpetrators, Aubrey Trail & Bailey Boswell, and secondarily on murder victim Sydney Loofe.
Aubrey Trail, a lying manipulative conman, promoted himself to the women he met as a powerful vampire with a coven of witches at his disposal. He used money, coercion & threats to attract & hold onto relationships with these women who were often pressured into criminal & sexual acts.
While many of the women in Aubrey's orbit got away from him, Bailey Boswell did not and acted as a bridge between Aubrey and other women. She assisted with his schemes, engaged in his deviant proclivities, and in the end helped him murder someone and cover it up.
I think this book had some missed opportunities. I wish it would have delved more into topics like coercive control, human psychology, issues within the justice system, and capital punishment.
There's a lot that can be said about what happens when vulnerable people who are desperate for domestic and financial solutions, seeking acceptance, struggling with past trauma, and wanting a feeling of magic and respite from their lives, discover someone/something they see as a solution.
Both Aubrey and Bailey are guilty of the crimes they committed. While I have sympathy for Bailey because of some of the things that she experienced, it is difficult to view her as anything other than a violent offender who was complicit in the crimes she took part in. It is clear that Aubrey used money and fantasy to assert influence and employ control, but in the end Bailey did what she did.
The case was interesting but overall I found the book to be a passably written account that relied on the salacious details of the lifestyle Aubrey had with Bailey and the other women he took under his wing. It is also discouraging to know that Aubrey, who enjoys the attention and notoriety from his crimes, is likely pleased by the fact that he now has a book written about him.
Thank you to Sourcebooks who provided me with an eARC of this book through NetGalley. The Vampire's Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder by Chet Hardin is out NOW!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Never underestimate the power of an idiot. Make no mistake, Aubrey Trail is an idiot among many other negative terms which can be applied to him.
The Vampire's Cult by Chet Hardin is the type of true crime book which boils down to a matter of taste. Hardin tells the story of the murder of Sydney Loofe with journalistic accuracy and detachment. His prose is easy to read and all the details are meticulously sourced. He has a ton of material on the perpetrators as well as a few victims/perpetrators. Trail is a self-proclaimed vampire (yes, he really tried to sell that) who has a coven of witches (uh, sure bro), but don't worry, he can go in the sunlight because he is apparently the Twilight vampire kind. He is (inexplicably!) able to convince multiple women to join his coven even though he is quite ugly (literally their words, not mine). They perform various (very gross!) things at his behest including murder.
Hardin makes a storytelling choice which didn't work for me, but again, this is a matter of taste. He has access to a significant amount of information from and about Trail and the women in his orbit. Unfortunately, it feels like we are seeing life through their eyes instead of anyone else's. It means that Hardin presents their views of things, but doesn't step back to analyze if what they are saying lines up with what reality probably was. These are despicable people, and it means I wanted a bit more outside of their viewpoints. Hardin doesn't make Sydney Loofe a nameless victim, but all of the victims in this book get short vignettes. I also like a bit more atmosphere added to the overall story. Why these people in these places? Were they more prone to following a guy like Trail because of their circumstances? What was the difference between the people who got away and those who chose to stay?
To summarize, my rating on here is mostly based on my preferences for true crime and could easily be argued as too harsh. I'd like more atmosphere, more analysis, and more background. However, if you want a well-told, direct, and detailed narrative of an absolutely crazy story, then you will be happy with this one.
(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by NetGalley and Sourcebooks.)
The Vampire's Cult by Chet Hardin is the type of true crime book which boils down to a matter of taste. Hardin tells the story of the murder of Sydney Loofe with journalistic accuracy and detachment. His prose is easy to read and all the details are meticulously sourced. He has a ton of material on the perpetrators as well as a few victims/perpetrators. Trail is a self-proclaimed vampire (yes, he really tried to sell that) who has a coven of witches (uh, sure bro), but don't worry, he can go in the sunlight because he is apparently the Twilight vampire kind. He is (inexplicably!) able to convince multiple women to join his coven even though he is quite ugly (literally their words, not mine). They perform various (very gross!) things at his behest including murder.
Hardin makes a storytelling choice which didn't work for me, but again, this is a matter of taste. He has access to a significant amount of information from and about Trail and the women in his orbit. Unfortunately, it feels like we are seeing life through their eyes instead of anyone else's. It means that Hardin presents their views of things, but doesn't step back to analyze if what they are saying lines up with what reality probably was. These are despicable people, and it means I wanted a bit more outside of their viewpoints. Hardin doesn't make Sydney Loofe a nameless victim, but all of the victims in this book get short vignettes. I also like a bit more atmosphere added to the overall story. Why these people in these places? Were they more prone to following a guy like Trail because of their circumstances? What was the difference between the people who got away and those who chose to stay?
To summarize, my rating on here is mostly based on my preferences for true crime and could easily be argued as too harsh. I'd like more atmosphere, more analysis, and more background. However, if you want a well-told, direct, and detailed narrative of an absolutely crazy story, then you will be happy with this one.
(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by NetGalley and Sourcebooks.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A true crime nonfiction read well researched and meticulously detailed gives an inside look at human depravity.
In November 2017 Sydney Loofe went missing from her small Nebraska town. The trail leads quickly to Aubrey Trail (not his birth name) and Bailey Boswell. Trail is a conjurer of mayhem and madness and like the Svengali he is, he traps young women who are rudderless and totally as nuts as he is. He manages to ensnare other young girls and women into a coven of witches who perform to his every nasty thought. Some of the older women had advanced education and while they weren’t involved in the murder, their belief in Trail’s magical abilities is outright ludicrous.
And then there’s the book’s title which comes from Trail telling Boswell he’s a vampire and that’s why he’s assembled his coven of witches.
The book is not written linearly but goes back and forth between Trail and Bailey, outlining their lives and motivations. Trail was born a bad seed - he wanted to be a robber growing up. Bailey is pure dumb to my way of thinking - she’s gifted with clothes and trinkets but had no insights into the ramifications of what these things would later require, she’s just trying to make a buck anyway she can - in a country of greed and poverty I can appreciate the difficult position Boswell was in. While she and Trail talked about killing, I think that was Bailey just trying to hang onto her sugar daddy - though unfortunately she would do whatever it took to keep him. I have no sympathy for her there.
The back and forth and roundabout nature of the storytelling keeps the reader in suspense. The book actually starts with the trial of Aubrey and cuts off into the story of what lead up to murder when Aubrey cuts his throat - only giveaway here to show how the author built the suspense.
I enjoy true crime books and their look into the nature of evil and what makes some people tick. If you enjoy reading these kinds of true crime books give this one a shot.
I gave this book five stars because it was well researched, the storytelling was compelling and well paced and I liked the title (I’m a sucker for anything titled vampire - which is why I’d like to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for granting me access to this ARC).
In November 2017 Sydney Loofe went missing from her small Nebraska town. The trail leads quickly to Aubrey Trail (not his birth name) and Bailey Boswell. Trail is a conjurer of mayhem and madness and like the Svengali he is, he traps young women who are rudderless and totally as nuts as he is. He manages to ensnare other young girls and women into a coven of witches who perform to his every nasty thought. Some of the older women had advanced education and while they weren’t involved in the murder, their belief in Trail’s magical abilities is outright ludicrous.
And then there’s the book’s title which comes from Trail telling Boswell he’s a vampire and that’s why he’s assembled his coven of witches.
The book is not written linearly but goes back and forth between Trail and Bailey, outlining their lives and motivations. Trail was born a bad seed - he wanted to be a robber growing up. Bailey is pure dumb to my way of thinking - she’s gifted with clothes and trinkets but had no insights into the ramifications of what these things would later require, she’s just trying to make a buck anyway she can - in a country of greed and poverty I can appreciate the difficult position Boswell was in. While she and Trail talked about killing, I think that was Bailey just trying to hang onto her sugar daddy - though unfortunately she would do whatever it took to keep him. I have no sympathy for her there.
The back and forth and roundabout nature of the storytelling keeps the reader in suspense. The book actually starts with the trial of Aubrey and cuts off into the story of what lead up to murder when Aubrey cuts his throat - only giveaway here to show how the author built the suspense.
I enjoy true crime books and their look into the nature of evil and what makes some people tick. If you enjoy reading these kinds of true crime books give this one a shot.
I gave this book five stars because it was well researched, the storytelling was compelling and well paced and I liked the title (I’m a sucker for anything titled vampire - which is why I’d like to thank NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for granting me access to this ARC).
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
When people talk about the True Crime genre exploiting other people's tragedy in order to make a name for themselves. They are referring to works like this.
Chat Hardin does not approach this book with any kind of objectively, instead opting to write and editorialize the story as if he is writing a thriller novel.
Hardin has a list of sources in the back of the book to explain where he got his information but I found it extremely lacking based on what he has written. For example, he spends a lot of time inside a lot of the victim's heads, seeming to know their thoughts and motivations, while only having transcripts of those victim's interactions as his source.
Which leads me to my next issue, which is that according his own source cited page, he did not interview any of the girls involved other than Bailey, despite spending a lot of time writing from their perspective. One of the victim's says in her interrogation that she doesnt want to disclose what happened to her because its embarassing and vulnerable and she doesnt want to talk about it, but ends up doing so so that she can help protect other girls in the future. But as a reader of this book, I already know all of the worst things that happened to her. Despite the same book informing me that she didn't want that information disclosed.
I always think its a red flag when a true crime story does not involve the victims directly in their research and retelling but boy howdy does Hardin get a LOT of info from his interviews with Aubrey and Bailey, the self-proclaimed "Vampire" and "Witch" who caused all this.
In fact, I think the greatest service this book is doing, is on behalf of Aubrey Trail. I'm sure he really appreciates being the celebrity center of this book. It even being named after him.
All in all, "Journalism" is not what I would call this. Rather, it is akin to someone with a hyper fixation on cults (look up Chet Hardin's other work) coming up to you at a party and going "You guys wanna hear something fucked up?"
But in perfect "True Crime" fashion (but I will state that not ALL True Crime is guilty of this) they dress up their storytelling under the guise of journalism and education when in reality they are telling a glorified campfire story about real people.
Chat Hardin does not approach this book with any kind of objectively, instead opting to write and editorialize the story as if he is writing a thriller novel.
Hardin has a list of sources in the back of the book to explain where he got his information but I found it extremely lacking based on what he has written. For example, he spends a lot of time inside a lot of the victim's heads, seeming to know their thoughts and motivations, while only having transcripts of those victim's interactions as his source.
Which leads me to my next issue, which is that according his own source cited page, he did not interview any of the girls involved other than Bailey, despite spending a lot of time writing from their perspective. One of the victim's says in her interrogation that she doesnt want to disclose what happened to her because its embarassing and vulnerable and she doesnt want to talk about it, but ends up doing so so that she can help protect other girls in the future. But as a reader of this book, I already know all of the worst things that happened to her. Despite the same book informing me that she didn't want that information disclosed.
I always think its a red flag when a true crime story does not involve the victims directly in their research and retelling but boy howdy does Hardin get a LOT of info from his interviews with Aubrey and Bailey, the self-proclaimed "Vampire" and "Witch" who caused all this.
In fact, I think the greatest service this book is doing, is on behalf of Aubrey Trail. I'm sure he really appreciates being the celebrity center of this book. It even being named after him.
All in all, "Journalism" is not what I would call this. Rather, it is akin to someone with a hyper fixation on cults (look up Chet Hardin's other work) coming up to you at a party and going "You guys wanna hear something fucked up?"
But in perfect "True Crime" fashion (but I will state that not ALL True Crime is guilty of this) they dress up their storytelling under the guise of journalism and education when in reality they are telling a glorified campfire story about real people.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio for this ALC!
This True Crime book tells the tragic journey that led to the murder of Sydney Loofe at the hands of Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. This is a tale of violence, delusion, manipulation, abuse and exploitation; the full scope of depravity.
First I have to say that this book is supremely researched and often tells the story in such a way that it has the same level of detail as I would expect in a fictional thriller. Hardin’s narrative includes interviews with both Trail and Boswell, which take us even deeper into the reality of this story’s depravity. He also included interviews with some of the victims, and getting to hear their experiences, their mindsets, was extremely interesting (and also quite saddening).
I am pretty critical of true crime as a genre because I think it is very easy to make it exploitative. On the whole, I did not feel that this was the case here. However, while I understand that the sexual aspects of Trail’s exploitation of the young women he made his victims is important, I don’t really see how the exact details were really repeatedly necessary, and I personally think that it was completely unneeded in cases such as one in which one of the women is sexually violated.
I really do wish this book had expanded upon the supernatural delusions of Trail more, and how he instilled them in the women he victimised. If your book is titled “Cult of the Vampire”, I do wish you would focus a bit more on that part than on Trail’s eBay business.
I tend to prefer nonfiction as an audiobook, and the listening experience here was gripping, with Charles Linshaw performing as superb of a narrator as he always is.
Overall I found this to be a gripping book telling the story of a deeply disturbed killer and serial abuser and the women who he victimised, which unfortunately focused a bit too much on the less interesting aspects and a bit too little on the more interesting ones.
This True Crime book tells the tragic journey that led to the murder of Sydney Loofe at the hands of Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. This is a tale of violence, delusion, manipulation, abuse and exploitation; the full scope of depravity.
First I have to say that this book is supremely researched and often tells the story in such a way that it has the same level of detail as I would expect in a fictional thriller. Hardin’s narrative includes interviews with both Trail and Boswell, which take us even deeper into the reality of this story’s depravity. He also included interviews with some of the victims, and getting to hear their experiences, their mindsets, was extremely interesting (and also quite saddening).
I am pretty critical of true crime as a genre because I think it is very easy to make it exploitative. On the whole, I did not feel that this was the case here. However, while I understand that the sexual aspects of Trail’s exploitation of the young women he made his victims is important, I don’t really see how the exact details were really repeatedly necessary, and I personally think that it was completely unneeded in cases such as one in which one of the women is sexually violated.
I really do wish this book had expanded upon the supernatural delusions of Trail more, and how he instilled them in the women he victimised. If your book is titled “Cult of the Vampire”, I do wish you would focus a bit more on that part than on Trail’s eBay business.
I tend to prefer nonfiction as an audiobook, and the listening experience here was gripping, with Charles Linshaw performing as superb of a narrator as he always is.
Overall I found this to be a gripping book telling the story of a deeply disturbed killer and serial abuser and the women who he victimised, which unfortunately focused a bit too much on the less interesting aspects and a bit too little on the more interesting ones.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Sourcebooks Audio for providing an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
3 ⭐
This is one of those books where the case itself is more compelling than the way it’s told.
The Vampire’s Cult examines the disturbing murder of Sydney Loofe alongside the manipulation, coercive control, and cult-like beliefs surrounding Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. The research appears extensive, and it’s clear the author spent significant time compiling interviews, text messages, and other source material.
What kept me listening wasn’t suspense so much as the sheer disbelief that these events actually happened. Every time I thought the story couldn’t become more unsettling, another layer of manipulation or abuse emerged.
The strongest sections were those grounded in primary-source material. Whenever text messages, interviews, or documented evidence were incorporated directly into the narrative, I felt much more connected to the reporting.
Where this fell a bit short for me was in the storytelling. Rather than reading like immersive narrative nonfiction, much of the book felt like a detailed chronological reconstruction of events. I learned a great deal about what happened, but I didn’t always come away with a deeper understanding of why events unfolded the way they did or how the people involved reached those decisions.
I also found myself occasionally questioning where documented evidence ended and narrative reconstruction began until later chapters provided additional corroboration.
If you enjoy well-researched true crime and don’t mind a more report-like presentation, there’s still plenty to appreciate here. Readers looking for the immersive storytelling style of books like The Butcher of Abilene may find this one more informational than narrative.
Content warnings: coercive control, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual coercion and abuse, manipulation, cult dynamics, murder, and body dismemberment
3 ⭐
This is one of those books where the case itself is more compelling than the way it’s told.
The Vampire’s Cult examines the disturbing murder of Sydney Loofe alongside the manipulation, coercive control, and cult-like beliefs surrounding Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. The research appears extensive, and it’s clear the author spent significant time compiling interviews, text messages, and other source material.
What kept me listening wasn’t suspense so much as the sheer disbelief that these events actually happened. Every time I thought the story couldn’t become more unsettling, another layer of manipulation or abuse emerged.
The strongest sections were those grounded in primary-source material. Whenever text messages, interviews, or documented evidence were incorporated directly into the narrative, I felt much more connected to the reporting.
Where this fell a bit short for me was in the storytelling. Rather than reading like immersive narrative nonfiction, much of the book felt like a detailed chronological reconstruction of events. I learned a great deal about what happened, but I didn’t always come away with a deeper understanding of why events unfolded the way they did or how the people involved reached those decisions.
I also found myself occasionally questioning where documented evidence ended and narrative reconstruction began until later chapters provided additional corroboration.
If you enjoy well-researched true crime and don’t mind a more report-like presentation, there’s still plenty to appreciate here. Readers looking for the immersive storytelling style of books like The Butcher of Abilene may find this one more informational than narrative.
Content warnings: coercive control, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual coercion and abuse, manipulation, cult dynamics, murder, and body dismemberment
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Vampire's Cult was one of those books that leaves you thinking, "What did I just read?"
What makes this story even more chilling is that it's not fiction, it's real life! Instead of watching a true crime documentary, I felt like I was reading one. I finished it in just one day because I simply couldn't put it down. It was horrifying, fascinating, and incredibly compelling. I constantly wanted to know what happened next, who these people really were, and how the cult managed to operate for so long.
I was also shocked that these events happened only a few years ago rather than decades ago, during the era most people associate with infamous serial killers and cults. Reading this story made me feel incredibly grateful to live in my quiet little corner of Canada. Of course, terrible things can happen anywhere, but it's hard to imagine something on this scale happening so close to the present day.
Another aspect I really appreciated was how well the book was organized. Even though the case is incredibly complex, the author presented the events in a clear, logical, and chronological way that made everything easy to follow. Considering how many lies, contradictions, and manipulations were involved, I was impressed by how coherent the narrative remained from beginning to end.
More than anything, I think this book carries an important message. It reminds us why it's so important to continue educating, supporting and raising awareness among young women. While dating apps are filled with genuine people looking for meaningful connections, there are also individuals with harmful intentions. Stories like this encourage us to stay aware, trust our instincts, and prioritize our safety while still enjoying the opportunity to meet new people.
This was a fascinating, disturbing, and unforgettable true crime read that will stay with me for a long time!
What makes this story even more chilling is that it's not fiction, it's real life! Instead of watching a true crime documentary, I felt like I was reading one. I finished it in just one day because I simply couldn't put it down. It was horrifying, fascinating, and incredibly compelling. I constantly wanted to know what happened next, who these people really were, and how the cult managed to operate for so long.
I was also shocked that these events happened only a few years ago rather than decades ago, during the era most people associate with infamous serial killers and cults. Reading this story made me feel incredibly grateful to live in my quiet little corner of Canada. Of course, terrible things can happen anywhere, but it's hard to imagine something on this scale happening so close to the present day.
Another aspect I really appreciated was how well the book was organized. Even though the case is incredibly complex, the author presented the events in a clear, logical, and chronological way that made everything easy to follow. Considering how many lies, contradictions, and manipulations were involved, I was impressed by how coherent the narrative remained from beginning to end.
More than anything, I think this book carries an important message. It reminds us why it's so important to continue educating, supporting and raising awareness among young women. While dating apps are filled with genuine people looking for meaningful connections, there are also individuals with harmful intentions. Stories like this encourage us to stay aware, trust our instincts, and prioritize our safety while still enjoying the opportunity to meet new people.
This was a fascinating, disturbing, and unforgettable true crime read that will stay with me for a long time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The disappearance and murder of twenty-four-year-old Sydney Loofe shocked the small town of Wilber, Nebraska. What followed was the discovery of Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell’s disturbing relationship, their manipulation of vulnerable women, and the events that eventually led to Sydney’s death.
The book started with a strong hook that immediately pulled me in, and I appreciated learning about a true crime case I had never heard of before. However, the title and description led me to expect a more detailed examination of the alleged vampire cult and the murder at the centre of the case.
Instead, much of the first half focused on Aubrey and Bailey using Tinder to meet and recruit women for sex. The sexual nature of their relationship was discussed repeatedly, while the murder itself did not happen until around the halfway point. Some information was also repeated several times, which made the book feel drawn out and caused the writing to lose my attention.
The murder investigation and trial were the parts I was most interested in, but they did not receive as much attention as I expected. I read a fair amount of true crime, and this felt more like a thriller-style retelling than an in-depth, deeply researched examination of the case.
I did appreciate that the final chapter explained what happened to Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell after the trial. That provided some much needed closure after such a disturbing story.
Overall, this wasn’t quite the book I expected based on the title and description, and the writing style wasn’t entirely for me. However, readers who are interested in this particular case or enjoy true crime told in a more dramatic, narrative style may appreciate it more than I did.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.
The book started with a strong hook that immediately pulled me in, and I appreciated learning about a true crime case I had never heard of before. However, the title and description led me to expect a more detailed examination of the alleged vampire cult and the murder at the centre of the case.
Instead, much of the first half focused on Aubrey and Bailey using Tinder to meet and recruit women for sex. The sexual nature of their relationship was discussed repeatedly, while the murder itself did not happen until around the halfway point. Some information was also repeated several times, which made the book feel drawn out and caused the writing to lose my attention.
The murder investigation and trial were the parts I was most interested in, but they did not receive as much attention as I expected. I read a fair amount of true crime, and this felt more like a thriller-style retelling than an in-depth, deeply researched examination of the case.
I did appreciate that the final chapter explained what happened to Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell after the trial. That provided some much needed closure after such a disturbing story.
Overall, this wasn’t quite the book I expected based on the title and description, and the writing style wasn’t entirely for me. However, readers who are interested in this particular case or enjoy true crime told in a more dramatic, narrative style may appreciate it more than I did.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Sydney Loofe goes missing after a date with a woman she met online, people fear that she's met with foul play, but no one can predict the strange long road that brought her killers to the point of her murder.
Despite this case having occurred in the past decade, I didn't have much of a recollection of it going into this book. As such I was the perfect audience to be jerked around by each strange twist and turn as it happened.
This is a fast-paced and very readable book, and I appreciated that the author made sure to approach the story from the viewpoint of the young women who were swept into Trail and Boswell's orbit - it becomes easier to understand why they fell into believing Trail's claims about his wealth and his vampirism. Hardin spoke to many people connected to the case, including the killers, their families, and Sydney's family, to create as complete a picture as he could of how these events came to pass.
However, these firsthand sources and the recency of the case does come with some limitations. While we learn about the specifics of Trail and Boswell's beliefs, for example, I wish we could have learned how they initially came to be. In general I feel that we learned more about Boswell than about Trail, the alleged cult leader who exerted his control over the many young women who became involved in this case. Despite some discussion of his past and his scams, and the author's own theories about what he was getting out of his claims about witchcraft, he seems to remain a somewhat shadowy figure to the end.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Despite this case having occurred in the past decade, I didn't have much of a recollection of it going into this book. As such I was the perfect audience to be jerked around by each strange twist and turn as it happened.
This is a fast-paced and very readable book, and I appreciated that the author made sure to approach the story from the viewpoint of the young women who were swept into Trail and Boswell's orbit - it becomes easier to understand why they fell into believing Trail's claims about his wealth and his vampirism. Hardin spoke to many people connected to the case, including the killers, their families, and Sydney's family, to create as complete a picture as he could of how these events came to pass.
However, these firsthand sources and the recency of the case does come with some limitations. While we learn about the specifics of Trail and Boswell's beliefs, for example, I wish we could have learned how they initially came to be. In general I feel that we learned more about Boswell than about Trail, the alleged cult leader who exerted his control over the many young women who became involved in this case. Despite some discussion of his past and his scams, and the author's own theories about what he was getting out of his claims about witchcraft, he seems to remain a somewhat shadowy figure to the end.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 26, 2026
He convinced women he was a vampire and that they would become witches by killing people and breathing in their final breath. And then to escape his final verdict, he cut his own throat in court after placing a curse on everyone.
This is a totally true story by the way, and you can read about it in The Vampire’s Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder by Chet Hardin
This true crime book is about Aubrey Trail, a conman and murderer and his accomplice, Bailey Boswell and how they abducted and murdered a young woman, Sydney Loofe. But what makes this case truly wild is how it was orchestrated. Throughout his years, Aubrey Trail would enlist young women into his harem of “witches,” convincing them to follow his rules or the other witches would find out. And Bailey was the “queen” of the witches. If you’re a fan of true crime, you’re sure to enjoy this book.
I haven’t read a true crime book in a while and I’m thinking of getting back into it again because this book brought me back in. Sometimes readers shy away from nonfiction due to lengthy back stories and the fact that they aren’t as action packed. This book was not like that at all. It was full of intrigue and to me it was written more as a story than just a synopsis of what happened.
Also, if you’re thinking killing someone and breathing in their last breath seems familiar, you’re probably thinking of Stephen King’s book Doctor Sleep, it’s actually mentioned in this book about how this concept was likely taken entirely from Doctor Sleep.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC. It was very interesting and intriguing and I actually found it to be a page turner.
The Vampire’s Cult officially comes out on August 4.
This is a totally true story by the way, and you can read about it in The Vampire’s Cult: The Untold Story of Obsession, Control, and a Shocking Small-Town Murder by Chet Hardin
This true crime book is about Aubrey Trail, a conman and murderer and his accomplice, Bailey Boswell and how they abducted and murdered a young woman, Sydney Loofe. But what makes this case truly wild is how it was orchestrated. Throughout his years, Aubrey Trail would enlist young women into his harem of “witches,” convincing them to follow his rules or the other witches would find out. And Bailey was the “queen” of the witches. If you’re a fan of true crime, you’re sure to enjoy this book.
I haven’t read a true crime book in a while and I’m thinking of getting back into it again because this book brought me back in. Sometimes readers shy away from nonfiction due to lengthy back stories and the fact that they aren’t as action packed. This book was not like that at all. It was full of intrigue and to me it was written more as a story than just a synopsis of what happened.
Also, if you’re thinking killing someone and breathing in their last breath seems familiar, you’re probably thinking of Stephen King’s book Doctor Sleep, it’s actually mentioned in this book about how this concept was likely taken entirely from Doctor Sleep.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC. It was very interesting and intriguing and I actually found it to be a page turner.
The Vampire’s Cult officially comes out on August 4.
August 6, 2026
Nebraska
Aubrey, Bailey, Sydney
I'm in my nonfiction era and one of the genres that I enjoy reading is true crime so when I saw this ARC on NetGalley I asked for a copy. I was also particularly interested in it because my entire family is from the state of Nebraska and there are not very many books set in Nebraska so when I do come across one I want to read it typically.
All true crime novels are really heavy and sad because somebody has either lost their life, or have been seriously impacted in a way.
This book is difficult to read because it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that people lived and believed a certain way in this day and age.
Our main male main character is Aubrey, and he is a older, overweight man who has collected a group of young women as his "witches" whom perform sexual fantasies, antique crimes, and other questionable acts. One of his main girls for "witches", Bailey, is one of his main females who listens to him and does anything he wants. She also has disturbing and strange, sexual fetishes that he also exploits.
This book is about the murder of one particular girl and what led up to the murder, the trial, in the aftermath.
This book is not for the faint of heart. I did think it was extremely well done and it gave a very vivid description of what went on in this coven. I can't say I enjoyed a book about murder and dismemberment, but I appreciate this book for the way it was written, put together, and the information was presented.
Aubrey, Bailey, Sydney
I'm in my nonfiction era and one of the genres that I enjoy reading is true crime so when I saw this ARC on NetGalley I asked for a copy. I was also particularly interested in it because my entire family is from the state of Nebraska and there are not very many books set in Nebraska so when I do come across one I want to read it typically.
All true crime novels are really heavy and sad because somebody has either lost their life, or have been seriously impacted in a way.
This book is difficult to read because it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that people lived and believed a certain way in this day and age.
Our main male main character is Aubrey, and he is a older, overweight man who has collected a group of young women as his "witches" whom perform sexual fantasies, antique crimes, and other questionable acts. One of his main girls for "witches", Bailey, is one of his main females who listens to him and does anything he wants. She also has disturbing and strange, sexual fetishes that he also exploits.
This book is about the murder of one particular girl and what led up to the murder, the trial, in the aftermath.
This book is not for the faint of heart. I did think it was extremely well done and it gave a very vivid description of what went on in this coven. I can't say I enjoyed a book about murder and dismemberment, but I appreciate this book for the way it was written, put together, and the information was presented.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a true crime story that I'd somehow missed when it was out there in the news.
The read is horrifying. The story is fresh enough that I caution anyone who knew the victim (or any of the other women who were involved) to stay clear. The book doesn't shy away from graphic violence and sex.
Our victim is treated with respect and grace, never blame - a fact that I appreciated. I felt for her so much and for her family and friends.
I did have trouble wrapping my mind around our 'cult'. Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell are, frankly, stupid individuals. I mean dumb as posts. He's an unattractive blowhard and a liar. She's...weird. Most of the women who attached themselves to them did so only temporarily (not really a cult) and all of them just liked Bailey rather than Aubrey. I did try to give grace to these women. They were young and naive. I just...a vampire and witches and conning antique dealers after a halfway decent Tinder date?
The author does a good job of trying to get into the heads of all the people who played a role in this gruesome true story. I think the fact that I was sometimes left a little confused at the *why* of everything was because most of these people really had no coherent thoughts.
The book did its job - it sent me to the web to learn more about the case and left me wondering why we have humans that are this sort of mix of stupid and evil.
The read is horrifying. The story is fresh enough that I caution anyone who knew the victim (or any of the other women who were involved) to stay clear. The book doesn't shy away from graphic violence and sex.
Our victim is treated with respect and grace, never blame - a fact that I appreciated. I felt for her so much and for her family and friends.
I did have trouble wrapping my mind around our 'cult'. Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell are, frankly, stupid individuals. I mean dumb as posts. He's an unattractive blowhard and a liar. She's...weird. Most of the women who attached themselves to them did so only temporarily (not really a cult) and all of them just liked Bailey rather than Aubrey. I did try to give grace to these women. They were young and naive. I just...a vampire and witches and conning antique dealers after a halfway decent Tinder date?
The author does a good job of trying to get into the heads of all the people who played a role in this gruesome true story. I think the fact that I was sometimes left a little confused at the *why* of everything was because most of these people really had no coherent thoughts.
The book did its job - it sent me to the web to learn more about the case and left me wondering why we have humans that are this sort of mix of stupid and evil.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First, I want to thank Chet Hardin, Sourcebooks and netgalley for the gifted eARC of The Vampire’s Cult to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
True crime is one of my favorite past times. Not only did I grow up watching true crime tv shows to now listening to true crime podcasts in my adult years, I will admit that I never really read any sort of true crime material. However, that changed the moment I read this book.
Going into this case blindly, I really enjoyed how well prepared this author was. The attention to detail and all of the information that was brought up was all relevant and important that helped me feel like I got the best understanding out of this case. The interviews were probably some of my favorite add ins that this author chose to use and I really enjoyed reading it for myself.
Just knowing that this is true crime, blows my mind. Being able to see the details and to hear the testimonies from other victims truly brought to light a reason why I like true crime so much. Knowing that these strong victims are able to stand up and speak their mind just felt so needed while reading this story. It all lead for a very sad story as these characters truly made me question the lasting overall impacts of what happened to them. It truly gets you to question the inner workings of these criminals and how they could do such things to innocent people.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
True crime is one of my favorite past times. Not only did I grow up watching true crime tv shows to now listening to true crime podcasts in my adult years, I will admit that I never really read any sort of true crime material. However, that changed the moment I read this book.
Going into this case blindly, I really enjoyed how well prepared this author was. The attention to detail and all of the information that was brought up was all relevant and important that helped me feel like I got the best understanding out of this case. The interviews were probably some of my favorite add ins that this author chose to use and I really enjoyed reading it for myself.
Just knowing that this is true crime, blows my mind. Being able to see the details and to hear the testimonies from other victims truly brought to light a reason why I like true crime so much. Knowing that these strong victims are able to stand up and speak their mind just felt so needed while reading this story. It all lead for a very sad story as these characters truly made me question the lasting overall impacts of what happened to them. It truly gets you to question the inner workings of these criminals and how they could do such things to innocent people.
August 4, 2026
”The fifty-two year old felon and self-proclaimed vampire watched the proceedings of his murder trial unfold that morning with his familiar, unflappable smirk.”
When the publisher first reached out to me I was like “yeah this sounds like something up my alley” But the more I got into the story, I was like “wait is this a true story?” and then I scroll down to Goodreads and lo and behold, it said nonfiction: That’s how you know the things in book are so unhinged, scary, heartbreaking, and wild that I thought I was reading a fake story. This is my first non-fiction book I’ve ever read that’s a true crime story, so writing it feels wrong given the contents in the book and the whole story in general, so my rating is mostly on the writing and the flow of the book. For it being my first nonfiction, true crime story..it was very easy to follow and never once got confusing. As hunting as the story was, it was equally heartbreaking. It does get very detailed when it comes to what they did to this poor woman, and things they did with each other within the cult so it can’t get pretty graphic. If you like true crime documentaries, you will definitely want to pick up this story. I thought the story happened in the 80s maybe 90s come to find out this happened in 2017! I had never heard of this story and after reading this, it just opens your eyes to how easy the vulnerable can be targeted and how evil some people can be.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc.
When the publisher first reached out to me I was like “yeah this sounds like something up my alley” But the more I got into the story, I was like “wait is this a true story?” and then I scroll down to Goodreads and lo and behold, it said nonfiction: That’s how you know the things in book are so unhinged, scary, heartbreaking, and wild that I thought I was reading a fake story. This is my first non-fiction book I’ve ever read that’s a true crime story, so writing it feels wrong given the contents in the book and the whole story in general, so my rating is mostly on the writing and the flow of the book. For it being my first nonfiction, true crime story..it was very easy to follow and never once got confusing. As hunting as the story was, it was equally heartbreaking. It does get very detailed when it comes to what they did to this poor woman, and things they did with each other within the cult so it can’t get pretty graphic. If you like true crime documentaries, you will definitely want to pick up this story. I thought the story happened in the 80s maybe 90s come to find out this happened in 2017! I had never heard of this story and after reading this, it just opens your eyes to how easy the vulnerable can be targeted and how evil some people can be.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc.
August 5, 2026
As a huge true crime fan, I was incredibly excited to pick up this book. I had never heard of the murder of Sydney Loofe, so I went into the story completely blind, which made every revelation even more shocking. I was especially surprised when the city I live in was mentioned, making the case feel even closer to home and all the more eye-opening.
Chet Hardin does an excellent job presenting the facts of the case in a clear, engaging, and easy to follow way. The pacing kept me invested from beginning to end, and I found myself flying through the chapters.
One of the most chilling aspects of the book is learning about Aubrey Trail and the psychological control he held over the people around him. His manipulation, charisma, and ability to convince others to participate in and support his delusions were terrifying to read about. I kept asking myself, How was he able to keep getting away with this for so long? The deeper the story went, the more unsettling it became.
One thing I especially appreciated was that Chet Hardin allowed the facts to speak for themselves. Rather than inserting personal opinions, he presented the evidence and events in a straightforward, respectful manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. That approach made the story even more powerful. I was completely captivated from start to finish and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how the investigation unfolded and justice was ultimately pursued.
Chet Hardin does an excellent job presenting the facts of the case in a clear, engaging, and easy to follow way. The pacing kept me invested from beginning to end, and I found myself flying through the chapters.
One of the most chilling aspects of the book is learning about Aubrey Trail and the psychological control he held over the people around him. His manipulation, charisma, and ability to convince others to participate in and support his delusions were terrifying to read about. I kept asking myself, How was he able to keep getting away with this for so long? The deeper the story went, the more unsettling it became.
One thing I especially appreciated was that Chet Hardin allowed the facts to speak for themselves. Rather than inserting personal opinions, he presented the evidence and events in a straightforward, respectful manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. That approach made the story even more powerful. I was completely captivated from start to finish and couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how the investigation unfolded and justice was ultimately pursued.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a really interesting true crime read. The case kept me invested, and it's obvious the author put an incredible amount of research into telling this story. I also really enjoyed the writing and style. Aubrey and Bailey were both absolutely awful to read about though. They're both incredibly stupid and disgusting.
One of my biggest takeaways was that I wanted more of Sydney's story. Bailey and Aubrey get extensive backstories, but we never really get to know much about Sydney. This isn't a criticism of the author because it's clear he genuinely cared about Sydney and wanted to honor her memory. I just wish we'd learned more about who she was as a person because, at the end of the day, there wouldn't be a case without her.
I also appreciated that Bailey took some accountability for her role in what happened. While Aubrey was clearly manipulative and controlling, I never personally viewed Bailey as simply another victim. There were plenty of women in this story who felt like the true victims, and I found myself separating Bailey from that group. Especially because Bailey is the one who stole Sydney's trust and ultimately lured Sydney to her death.
Overall, this was a well-written, thoroughly researched, and engaging look at a heartbreaking case. I only wish Sydney had been given as much of a story as the people responsible for taking her life.
One of my biggest takeaways was that I wanted more of Sydney's story. Bailey and Aubrey get extensive backstories, but we never really get to know much about Sydney. This isn't a criticism of the author because it's clear he genuinely cared about Sydney and wanted to honor her memory. I just wish we'd learned more about who she was as a person because, at the end of the day, there wouldn't be a case without her.
I also appreciated that Bailey took some accountability for her role in what happened. While Aubrey was clearly manipulative and controlling, I never personally viewed Bailey as simply another victim. There were plenty of women in this story who felt like the true victims, and I found myself separating Bailey from that group. Especially because Bailey is the one who stole Sydney's trust and ultimately lured Sydney to her death.
Overall, this was a well-written, thoroughly researched, and engaging look at a heartbreaking case. I only wish Sydney had been given as much of a story as the people responsible for taking her life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew very little about this case before picking up this book, and honestly, I think that made it even more shocking.
The entire time I was reading, I kept asking myself how people could possibly believe some of the things Aubrey Trail was telling them. Vampires? Witches? Rituals? It all sounds completely unbelievable, but somehow he managed to pull people into his world.
This is definitely a dark true crime read, and there are some graphic details that may not be for everyone. There were several moments where I had to stop and remind myself that these were real people and that this actually happened.
What kept me turning the pages was trying to understand the people involved and how everything spiraled into such a tragic outcome. I don't know that I ever fully understood the why behind it all, but that's probably part of what makes this case so disturbing.
I also found myself going down a rabbit hole after I finished because I wanted to learn more about the case and the people involved.
Overall, this was a fascinating, disturbing, and memorable true crime read. If you enjoy true crime, cult stories, and criminal psychology, this one is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some very dark subject matter.
The entire time I was reading, I kept asking myself how people could possibly believe some of the things Aubrey Trail was telling them. Vampires? Witches? Rituals? It all sounds completely unbelievable, but somehow he managed to pull people into his world.
This is definitely a dark true crime read, and there are some graphic details that may not be for everyone. There were several moments where I had to stop and remind myself that these were real people and that this actually happened.
What kept me turning the pages was trying to understand the people involved and how everything spiraled into such a tragic outcome. I don't know that I ever fully understood the why behind it all, but that's probably part of what makes this case so disturbing.
I also found myself going down a rabbit hole after I finished because I wanted to learn more about the case and the people involved.
Overall, this was a fascinating, disturbing, and memorable true crime read. If you enjoy true crime, cult stories, and criminal psychology, this one is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some very dark subject matter.
July 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with an advance reader copy.
This book covers the murder of Sydney Loofe and the two individuals convicted of her murder, Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. The story explores Bailey and Aubrey’s lives, as well as providing an extensive history of their relationship leading up to the crime.
Things I liked about the book:
I thought the book had a strong hook at the beginning that immediately drew me in. I also liked learning about a true crime case I had never heard of before. I appreciated that the final chapter outlined what happened to Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell after the trial, which provided some closure.
Things I didn’t care for:
The book included details that had already been stated, and some parts felt repetitive. I also felt there was an overemphasis on the sexual nature of Aubrey and Bailey’s relationship. The actual murder and trial, which were the aspects I was most interested in, did not receive as much attention as I expected.
I read a fair amount of true crime, and this book felt more like a thriller than a deeply researched true crime account. The writing style wasn’t quite for me, but I would still recommend it to fans of true crime or readers who want to learn more about this particular case.l
This book covers the murder of Sydney Loofe and the two individuals convicted of her murder, Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell. The story explores Bailey and Aubrey’s lives, as well as providing an extensive history of their relationship leading up to the crime.
Things I liked about the book:
I thought the book had a strong hook at the beginning that immediately drew me in. I also liked learning about a true crime case I had never heard of before. I appreciated that the final chapter outlined what happened to Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell after the trial, which provided some closure.
Things I didn’t care for:
The book included details that had already been stated, and some parts felt repetitive. I also felt there was an overemphasis on the sexual nature of Aubrey and Bailey’s relationship. The actual murder and trial, which were the aspects I was most interested in, did not receive as much attention as I expected.
I read a fair amount of true crime, and this book felt more like a thriller than a deeply researched true crime account. The writing style wasn’t quite for me, but I would still recommend it to fans of true crime or readers who want to learn more about this particular case.l
August 5, 2026
I went into The Vampire's Cult knowing very little about this case, and I think that's the best way to experience it. This true crime book follows the horrifying murder of Sydney Loofe and the manipulative world of self-proclaimed vampire Aubrey Trail and Bailey Boswell, exposing how control, deception, and psychological abuse spiralled into an unthinkable crime.
Chet Hardin does an incredible job piecing everything together in a way that is gripping and unsettling. The pacing kept me invested, and I found myself constantly wanting to read just one more chapter. Even though I knew this was a true story, it often read with the intensity of a psychological thriller.
What stood out most to me wasn't just the crime itself, but how easily vulnerable people can be drawn into manipulation when someone knows exactly what to say and how to exploit their insecurities. It's frustrating, heartbreaking, and terrifying all at once. The deeper the book dives into the relationships and mind games at play, the more disturbing the entire case becomes.
It's meticulously researched, compelling from beginning to end, and a chilling reminder that monsters don't always look the way we expect them to.
Thank you, Sourcebooks, Chet Hardin & NetGalley, for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
Chet Hardin does an incredible job piecing everything together in a way that is gripping and unsettling. The pacing kept me invested, and I found myself constantly wanting to read just one more chapter. Even though I knew this was a true story, it often read with the intensity of a psychological thriller.
What stood out most to me wasn't just the crime itself, but how easily vulnerable people can be drawn into manipulation when someone knows exactly what to say and how to exploit their insecurities. It's frustrating, heartbreaking, and terrifying all at once. The deeper the book dives into the relationships and mind games at play, the more disturbing the entire case becomes.
It's meticulously researched, compelling from beginning to end, and a chilling reminder that monsters don't always look the way we expect them to.
Thank you, Sourcebooks, Chet Hardin & NetGalley, for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by Chet Hardin. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!
After a Tinder date, 24-year-old Sydney Loofe disappeared without a trace from Wilber, Nebraska. Days later, her dismembered body was found scattered across nearby fields. This is the story of the perpetrators of that horrendous crime and how they lured vulnerable young women into their world, with deadly consequences.
I had not heard of any part of this story before, but it's a wild one. I felt the investigation, reporting and writing of this book were all very well done. It does focus almost solely on Aubrey Trail, an aging con man, that somehow convinced women that he was all-knowing and all-being, the head of a coven of witches; and Bailey Boswell, the woman who worked by his side. It's truly amazing how horrible people like this are able to convince others to go along with what they did, that people are willing to override common sense, especially when this was not a charming, charismatic man as so many cult leaders are but the polar opposite who showed no signs of his apparent wealth. A sad story indeed and definitely yet another cautionary tale to social media!
After a Tinder date, 24-year-old Sydney Loofe disappeared without a trace from Wilber, Nebraska. Days later, her dismembered body was found scattered across nearby fields. This is the story of the perpetrators of that horrendous crime and how they lured vulnerable young women into their world, with deadly consequences.
I had not heard of any part of this story before, but it's a wild one. I felt the investigation, reporting and writing of this book were all very well done. It does focus almost solely on Aubrey Trail, an aging con man, that somehow convinced women that he was all-knowing and all-being, the head of a coven of witches; and Bailey Boswell, the woman who worked by his side. It's truly amazing how horrible people like this are able to convince others to go along with what they did, that people are willing to override common sense, especially when this was not a charming, charismatic man as so many cult leaders are but the polar opposite who showed no signs of his apparent wealth. A sad story indeed and definitely yet another cautionary tale to social media!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you enjoy true crime podcasts, you'll most likely enjoy this tale of off-the-rails murder. It's a smooth, compelling read. It's not a straightforward timeline but dips back in time to explain things like Trail's childhood when the main narrative lulls.
What kept me from rating it higher was partially some narrative choices and partially a failing of the true crime genre. This book is "mind of the killer" style, with very little about the victim(s). That can be problematic in and of itself, but in my mind it becomes a bigger problem when the killers aren't fleshed out enough. The author couldn't fully commit to the narrative he was telling about Trail and Bailey, and there were many questions unanswered. For example - how many victims are there? Trail has clearly demonstrated that he's a pathological liar, but there seems to not have been any effort to independently verify his story. Some insight from a psychologist would have been far more helpful to analyze the cult angle, which was a missed opportunity. (You'll also likely realize at the end that the whole 'vampire' thing is hardly there in the book, despite the title.)
A decent read that missed some potential to be great.
What kept me from rating it higher was partially some narrative choices and partially a failing of the true crime genre. This book is "mind of the killer" style, with very little about the victim(s). That can be problematic in and of itself, but in my mind it becomes a bigger problem when the killers aren't fleshed out enough. The author couldn't fully commit to the narrative he was telling about Trail and Bailey, and there were many questions unanswered. For example - how many victims are there? Trail has clearly demonstrated that he's a pathological liar, but there seems to not have been any effort to independently verify his story. Some insight from a psychologist would have been far more helpful to analyze the cult angle, which was a missed opportunity. (You'll also likely realize at the end that the whole 'vampire' thing is hardly there in the book, despite the title.)
A decent read that missed some potential to be great.
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