Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked A Small Prairie Town

by Jeffrey M. Sauve

276 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Silvia lakhsmi]

Review of Wheels of Murder



Title: Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked A Small Prairie Town

Author: Jeffrey M. Sauve

Publisher: North Star Editions

Copyright: 2026 by Jeffrey M. Sauve

ASIN/ISBN: B0GJ363435 (Kindle ASIN) / 979-8-9941767-0-2 (ISBN)

Format: Ebook, Paperback

Genre: True Crime / Historical Non-Fiction



“blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Lew and Hans Kellihan, known for fleeing on bicycles, tried to escape society and their troubled pasts by leaving behind examples of calculated crimes, even if their own crimes were more brutal.

What are their backgrounds? How did they become so notable in Minnesota as the Sherburn First Bank robbers? The book provides evidence, manuscripts, and newspaper resources. Jeffrey's writing style exemplifies literary journalism, blending thorough research with the storytelling of a novelist. Facts are sourced from archival records, court transcripts, and vintage newspapers, and "immersion reporting" is used to reconstruct events scene by scene. The result is an atmospheric "time-travel" effect that places the reader as an eyewitness to real events. The clear chronology in every chapter prevents confusion, while images and press names add authenticity. Each detail is cross-checkable, reinforcing the book’s accuracy.

The dramatic elements in the book's first section are striking. Although some contextual stories are added, they do not distract from the main narrative or overshadow the core events. Instead, they heighten the drama and warmth of the story.

Hans idolized Jesse James, while Lew was driven by personal wounds. Both brothers showed charm, but Lew eventually diverged from Hans’s approach. Their family’s involvement with the law and the era’s difficulties in crime-solving are depicted in depth. The narrative evokes emotion through the brothers’ bond with their parents amidst legal turmoil. There remains a sense of conflict about whether Lew deserved the death penalty or a lengthy sentence; his crime was not as severe as Hans’s, the leader, who drew Lew into the situation. This moral ambiguity forms the story’s greatest hook, prompting reflection on how anyone might act under such circumstances.

This is highly recommended for those interested in history, non-fiction, or crime-related books. Each chapter and story features a strong hook and memorable highlights. Nothing in the writing stands out as needing change; it is truly excellent. Anticipation builds as we await what Jeffrey will publish next.

This is a 10/10

[Miriam Downey]

Jeffrey Sauve, a historian and archivist, has used the genre of narrative nonfiction to detail the history of a bank robbery that occurred in 1896 in the small village of Sherburn, Minnesota. Two young brothers, Lew and Hans Kelllihan from Rock Rapids, Iowa, attempted to mimic the Northfield, Minnesota bank robbery by the James and Younger gangs that had occurred 20 years before—but the Kellihan robbery was on bicycles rather than horseback. Following the robbery where two people were killed, Hans committed suicide, and Lew was arrested. He died in prison several years later.

The most amazing part of this narrative is the meticulous handling of all the details before, during, and after the robbery by Sauve. It seems almost impossible to think that there could have been so much research conducted regarding a small town robbery by two almost-unknown bandits.
The reader gets to know—and understand—Lew and Hans, their background and the events that led to the unfortunate robbery and then what went down afterwards. Sauve’s main source materials were little local newspapers from all over southwest Minnesota and northern Iowa, but he also used the comments and memories of the people via the historical museums of the area. This, to me, was the most fascinating aspect of this meticulous retelling of the story that was pretty much lost to history.

The other aspect of this fascinating book that I especially appreciated was a small detail—the use of the vernacular of the times, especially the vernacular of rural Minnesota. I probably heard it around the dinner table at my grandparents rural farm home. For example, the guys “vamoosed via the back door” and “by 10 pm, the sheriff’s posse returned to Sherburn, dirty, hungry, and plumb tuckered out.” Another one: ”the alibi was a cock and bull story.” And on it went. Those sayings added to the authenticity of the writing.

I commend Sauve for giving the reader an awareness of how history happens and how it can be recaptured through a genuine and meticulous retelling.

[Christian Z]

Wheels of Murder recounts an 1896 bank robbery and its aftermath in several rural Minnesota and Iowa communities. Though I had never heard of this late 19th century crime, the book's description piqued my interest. The author uses the tool of narrative fiction, allowing him to avoid the often dull and dry retelling of writers who rely on source materials such as newspaper articles and other archival records.

The book tells the story of Lew and Hans Kellihan, two young brothers from a small town in rural Iowa. One spends his time romanticizing the dime store novel tales of outlaws such as Jesse James, while his younger brother dreams of an actor's life of fame and fortune. Their aspirations take a calamitous turn when they decide to rob a Minnesota bank and use their newly acquired bicycles to make their escape. What follows is the story of those who lives were tragically changed on account of their actions, including their family, members of the community, the families of their victims and the lawmen and judicial officials called upon to bring them to justice.

My favorite part of this book was its focus on how a community seeks justice and decides upon a penalty best suited for the crime. By presenting the perspectives of multiple people involved in the aftermath of the robbery, the author is able to show the complexity often faced by those responsible for meting out punishment. Though many were of the opinion that a simple "eye for an eye" approach was the clear option, others found themselves considering additional factors to weigh when coming to a decision.

If you are looking for a short read on a lesser known crime from days gone by, Wheels of Murder might be a book to check out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[ecastell]

Wheels of Murder” by Jeffrey M. Sauve is a meticulously researched and compelling true crime novel that recounts the infamous bank robbery and murder committed by two young brothers in a small Minnesota town in 1896.

Hans and Lew Kelllihan were raised in a close-knit and highly esteemed family. Despite their loving home and upbringing, neither had ever encountered legal trouble. Hans, however, did exhibited a rebellious streak, while Lew endured a childhood traumatic brain injury. These circumstances ultimately contributed to their tragic demise.

The novel’s narrative unfolds primarily around the manhunt that ensued after their brazen crime. Law enforcement authorities were under immense pressure to apprehend the fugitives before vigilante groups could claim them. The Kellihan brothers’ story quickly gained national attention, and their case eventually reached an international audience. The novel concludes with Lew’s trial, conviction, and eventual commutation.

Sauve’s meticulous research and ability to bring historical places, individuals, and events to life are commendable. While I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fellow true crime enthusiasts, I found the author’s attempt to intertwine the circumstances of numerous similar crimes somewhat confusing.

Thanks to the author and publisher for this Advance Reader Copy. I freely offer my thoughts and opinions.

[Bob Greenway]

That the bandits in Wheels of Murder used bicycles to flee from an 1896 bank robbery makes this a true-crime book ripped from a News of the Weird headline. It spotlights a dime-novel-inspired small-town spree that spiraled out of control.

There was an inevitable sense of doom as the robbers, ages 18 and 20, pursued their outlaw fantasies. Their naivety sealed their fate. The quirky story was one I couldn't resist.

The author, Jeffrey M. Sauve, does a nice job of creating a sense of time and place. The people, towns, and farms described have an authentic ring. The book works best when he sticks to just-the-facts history, but he tends to overwrite the characters and places, which slows the pace. Another sticking point is the dialogue. It's stilted and often melodramatic, too.

Kudos to Sauve for unearthing this true-crime nugget. When anyone asks me what I've been reading these days, I'll be happy to tell them about the bank-robbing bicycle bandits of Minnesota.

I received an advance reading copy from NetGalley.

[Khushwant Rakhecha]

Reading this book felt like uncovering a forgotten piece of American history through the lens of true crime. I appreciated how the author blends meticulous research with engaging storytelling, making the 1896 bank robbery and its aftermath feel vivid and immersive. The robbery, the pursuit, and the community's response kept me invested, while the thoughtful reflections on ambition, desperation, and justice added depth beyond the historical facts.

That said, I did notice a few drawbacks. The pacing occasionally felt uneven, some characters received far more attention than others, and a few sections became repetitive. Even so, the strong historical foundation, authentic atmosphere, and compelling narrative made this a worthwhile read. If you enjoy well-researched true crime with a strong sense of place and history, this book is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
#WheelsofMurder #NetGalley

Rating:- 3.75/5

[Koren]

I was excited to get this book. I have lived in Sherburn, Mn almost my whole life. I have heard of this bank robbery but didn't know anything about it. Actually, I doubt very many residents here know anything about it. I am familiar with almost all the towns in this book and that's always fun to read about a local crime and see familiar places. I thought maybe I would recognize some names, but I didn't. Having said that, I'm not really a fan of narrative nonfiction. It makes me wonder what is fact and what is made up. I suspect that all of the conversation in this book is fiction. If only the known facts were in this book, it would be a very short book. So, while I loved the nonfiction parts of this book, the fiction parts were aggravating.

[Kelly]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reading about true crimes that happened in the 1800s is interesting because it shows how much hasn't changed in crime but then how little the detectives had to go with as far as technology and how the criminals were able to get away yet be undetected for so long. This scene would play out so differently in today's world.
I like that the author made it somewhat fictionalized but still told the true crime story. That kept my interest.

[Christopher Cooper]

Wheels of Murder delivers a thrilling true crime account of the 1896 bank heist in Sherburn, Minnesota. The narrative tracks the lead robber's brutal getaway and the intense 150-mile pursuit that followed. The excellent prose and captivating plot kept me hooked throughout. I appreciated the author's skillful blend of factual history with the tension of a gripping thriller. I'd suggest it to fans of suspense and true crime alike.

[Ron Baumer]

An interesting tale of a bank robbery, murders, and the pursuit of the criminals. While many crimes had escapes on horseback or car, this one involved a bicycle. The author does a great job of telling the history and life of the criminals and the other main characters in the story. The story is fast paced and will hold your interest. An enjoyable read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Wanda]

Very interesting read, with a strong historical foundation, authentic atmosphere, and compelling narrative. It is a well-researched true crime with a strong sense of place and history, this book is definitely worth adding to your reading list. From someone who has lived in Minnesota , its always fun to read a book that is familiar in landscape and culture. Thank you Goodreads and North Star Editions for this ARC book.

[Kathleen Riggs]

Decent Ride with Some Bumps

Wheels of Murder by Jeffery M. Sauve is an okay read that delivers a solid mystery without fully standing out. The book is interesting and keeps things moving, but the pacing can feel uneven at times. The characters are decent, though not especially memorable, and the plot has a few predictable turns. Overall, it is an enjoyable book if you are after a light mystery, but it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynette Anderson]

The Author's vivid, descriptive writing made me feel like I'd stepped back in time and was watching the story unfold before my eyes. Very enjoyable and fun read.

[Dale Anderson]

The book was gripping and I couldn't put it down.

[JOHN]

This was a fascinating story, told well.