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Sole Survivor: The Inspiring True Story of Coming Face to Face with the Infamous Railroad Killer
A memoir of hope, healing, and survival, sure to resonate with fans of Jaycee Dugard’s A Stolen Life and Elizabeth Smart’s My Story .
On August 28, 1997, just as she was starting her junior year at the University of Kentucky, Holly Dunn and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were walking along railroad tracks on their way home from a party when they were attacked by notorious serial killer Angel Maturino Reséndiz, aka The Railroad Killer. After her boyfriend is beaten to death in front of her, Holly is stabbed, raped, and left for dead.
In this memoir of survival and healing from a horrific true crime, Holly recounts how she lived through the vicious assault, helped bring her assailant to justice, and ultimately found meaning and purpose through service to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. She has worked as a motivational speaker and activist and founded Holly's House, a safe and nurturing space in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
On August 28, 1997, just as she was starting her junior year at the University of Kentucky, Holly Dunn and her boyfriend, Chris Maier, were walking along railroad tracks on their way home from a party when they were attacked by notorious serial killer Angel Maturino Reséndiz, aka The Railroad Killer. After her boyfriend is beaten to death in front of her, Holly is stabbed, raped, and left for dead.
In this memoir of survival and healing from a horrific true crime, Holly recounts how she lived through the vicious assault, helped bring her assailant to justice, and ultimately found meaning and purpose through service to victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. She has worked as a motivational speaker and activist and founded Holly's House, a safe and nurturing space in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2017
80 people are currently reading
1626 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 1, 2018
I read this book and while I could not imagine the horror of what she went through, I found that Holly Dunn did not convey enough emotion to give the reader what that experience and the aftermath was really like. I had the opportunity to see Holly Dunn at the Junior League of Richmond’s Author Dinner this year and her speech was eloquent and heartfelt about her experience and the impact on her life.
April 15, 2018
Amazing story of resilience, forgiveness, bravery, strength, and courage. I can’t wait to hear her tell her story at Junior League Book and Author!
December 22, 2017
Truly interesting story and inspiring how you turn a tragedy into a life lesson and find your calling. I found the story a bit too long for the content. Would have been much better as an essay or short story or maybe a long magazine article.
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March 20, 2025Isn’t the human spirit an amazing thing? Holly has done what the press rarely does, she’s made her story of survival the main event, of course she talks about her attacker who was a prolific serial killer. But the victims are the names we should really remember.
The work Holly has gone on to do is remarkable, her courage is breathtaking.
To hear Hollys story was shocking but empowering, I don’t feel right leaving stars.
Narrated brilliantly.
Currently included with audible 🎧
The work Holly has gone on to do is remarkable, her courage is breathtaking.
To hear Hollys story was shocking but empowering, I don’t feel right leaving stars.
Narrated brilliantly.
Currently included with audible 🎧
June 24, 2023
Holly is an inspiration, and this felt particularly close to home because it happened at the University of Kentucky, and Holly is from Evansville, Indiana. I remember this case and am glad to hear how Holly's life turned out. This was published by a small indie press, I believe, and it could have used a stronger editor. However, it's a fast read and might be appealing to anyone who remembers the case.
December 4, 2023
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
Incredibly hard to listen to, but so important. Her story and her strength should be celebrated. The incredible work she has done for other survivors is outstanding.
My heart goes out to her and anyone who is dealing with such horrific violence done to them.
Hope and faith really are remarkable in the face of so much sadness.
The narrator was a little detached but I didn't mind, I can't even imagine how hard it would be to tell someone's story.
Incredibly hard to listen to, but so important. Her story and her strength should be celebrated. The incredible work she has done for other survivors is outstanding.
My heart goes out to her and anyone who is dealing with such horrific violence done to them.
Hope and faith really are remarkable in the face of so much sadness.
The narrator was a little detached but I didn't mind, I can't even imagine how hard it would be to tell someone's story.
January 16, 2025
There’s no denying that Dunn achieved a lot after her ordeal. She shared the details of her physical and mental recovery, plus an outline of how the perpetrator was pursued and some of the court details.
An overall interesting read but a few gripes/ observations:
Dunn is religious. So if you’re an atheist like me, the long parts about her faith, prayers, groups, etc may well grind on and on. I gritted my teeth and just slogged my way through those parts.
Dunn’s husband. She met him and dated him while she was still in the long hard process of recovery but after a while broke up with him. He took it badly. So badly that he treated her very coldly afterwards and when she realised she made a mistake (as she saw it), and tried to reconnect with him, it took 8 years for him to get back to a place where they wanted to marry. This, to me, sounds like a drawn out sulk by a man who could not cut a traumatised woman some slack. And how people behave and treat other people when things don’t go their way, is very telling. I would have not bothered with him but she married him and had children. Good luck with that.
Finally, the narrator of the audiobook. She was all wrong for this book. She sounded sardonic a lot of the time and would have better suited a thriller that featured a hard nosed female detective character.
I understand why the author didn’t read it herself due to the very painful content, but the publisher really needed to have chosen the narrator better.
An overall interesting read but a few gripes/ observations:
Dunn is religious. So if you’re an atheist like me, the long parts about her faith, prayers, groups, etc may well grind on and on. I gritted my teeth and just slogged my way through those parts.
Dunn’s husband. She met him and dated him while she was still in the long hard process of recovery but after a while broke up with him. He took it badly. So badly that he treated her very coldly afterwards and when she realised she made a mistake (as she saw it), and tried to reconnect with him, it took 8 years for him to get back to a place where they wanted to marry. This, to me, sounds like a drawn out sulk by a man who could not cut a traumatised woman some slack. And how people behave and treat other people when things don’t go their way, is very telling. I would have not bothered with him but she married him and had children. Good luck with that.
Finally, the narrator of the audiobook. She was all wrong for this book. She sounded sardonic a lot of the time and would have better suited a thriller that featured a hard nosed female detective character.
I understand why the author didn’t read it herself due to the very painful content, but the publisher really needed to have chosen the narrator better.
May 19, 2018
Holly not only survived horrific attack but moved on with her life then opened counseling center to help other crime victims - she is incredibly brave and strong.
July 18, 2022
* 5 Stars
Quote: "I am truly thankful for a second chance at life. I made a choice to either crawl into a hole or do something.”
I love memoirs, more so listening to them on audio as it feels as if the writer is telling me their life’s story, one on one.
Holly K. Dunn tells her life story about how she was attacked by the Railroad Killer when she was just starting her junior year of college in Kentucky.
Holly explains how an innocent activity such as walking along railroad tracks with her boyfriend after attending a party changed into one of the most harrowing experiences someone can ever go through.
In details, she tells of how the railroad killer, Angel Maturino Resendiz, attacked them and brutally killed her boyfriend Chris and stabbed and raped and left her for dead.
In this memoir, Holly narrates to us how she went through the experience, how she ended up finding help, the healing processes and the challenges she has gone through in life being labelled as the only survivor of the railroad killer. She takes us through the process of finding justice and the good and bad she experienced as a result of human nature throughout the process.
She explains of how she was approached and agreed to set up Holly’s house, a nonprofit that provides a safe and nurturing space for victims of abuse in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
She further delves into how the harrowing experienced has made her who she is and has shaped her life. She lets the reader know that she found meaning and purpose through service to other victims of assault and works as a motivational speaker and activist. She also opens up about the challenges she faced in her romantic life when it came to moving forward from her assault.
If you want a read that pulls at your heartstrings and shows you how the human will can be resilient, this is the perfect read for you.
Quote: "I am truly thankful for a second chance at life. I made a choice to either crawl into a hole or do something.”
I love memoirs, more so listening to them on audio as it feels as if the writer is telling me their life’s story, one on one.
Holly K. Dunn tells her life story about how she was attacked by the Railroad Killer when she was just starting her junior year of college in Kentucky.
Holly explains how an innocent activity such as walking along railroad tracks with her boyfriend after attending a party changed into one of the most harrowing experiences someone can ever go through.
In details, she tells of how the railroad killer, Angel Maturino Resendiz, attacked them and brutally killed her boyfriend Chris and stabbed and raped and left her for dead.
In this memoir, Holly narrates to us how she went through the experience, how she ended up finding help, the healing processes and the challenges she has gone through in life being labelled as the only survivor of the railroad killer. She takes us through the process of finding justice and the good and bad she experienced as a result of human nature throughout the process.
She explains of how she was approached and agreed to set up Holly’s house, a nonprofit that provides a safe and nurturing space for victims of abuse in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
She further delves into how the harrowing experienced has made her who she is and has shaped her life. She lets the reader know that she found meaning and purpose through service to other victims of assault and works as a motivational speaker and activist. She also opens up about the challenges she faced in her romantic life when it came to moving forward from her assault.
If you want a read that pulls at your heartstrings and shows you how the human will can be resilient, this is the perfect read for you.
November 5, 2021
I had never heard of the "railroad killer" until I listened to an episode of Morbid podcast that went into the story of the serial killer's only surviving victim; Holly Dunn. Hearing the horrors that this woman went through was unbelievably heartbreaking, but when I learned everything Holly went on to do to help others in the aftermath I was in awe and had to read more about her.
'Sole Survivor' is the story of how Holly Dunn and her new love Chris Maier came into contact with a horrible human being and everything that unfolded in the tragedy and long after. Though much of this story is painful Holly honors Chris's memory and tells the story of how she grew to become a victim's advocate.
At the introduction of the book Holly talks about how tragedy, and sometimes the most unimaginable tragedy, can strike your life no matter how well you think you've planned your future. Never would she have imagined that on the night of August 29, 1997 while she walked along the railroad tracks with Chris, a guy she was falling deeply for, a serial killer and rapist would appear and change everything. Though at times this book can be really heavy it is truly beautiful how Holly took such a painful and life-changing tragedy and turned that experience into helping change the world for victims everywhere.
'Sole Survivor' is the story of how Holly Dunn and her new love Chris Maier came into contact with a horrible human being and everything that unfolded in the tragedy and long after. Though much of this story is painful Holly honors Chris's memory and tells the story of how she grew to become a victim's advocate.
At the introduction of the book Holly talks about how tragedy, and sometimes the most unimaginable tragedy, can strike your life no matter how well you think you've planned your future. Never would she have imagined that on the night of August 29, 1997 while she walked along the railroad tracks with Chris, a guy she was falling deeply for, a serial killer and rapist would appear and change everything. Though at times this book can be really heavy it is truly beautiful how Holly took such a painful and life-changing tragedy and turned that experience into helping change the world for victims everywhere.
May 2, 2018
This is an amazing story and Holly is truly an inspiration. The story hits close to home as we are close in age and I remember this happening when I was in college. What happened to her is truly a nightmare come true but her story shows there can be healing and joy after a horrendous trauma. I’m looking forward to hearing Holly speak at the JL Book and Author dinner in May. Despite the great story and Holly’s bravery, the writing isn’t great and the book was way too long for the content (for example, the coverage of the crime and investigation was pretty light on details but there was lots of detail on the progression of her relationship with her now husband). I probably wouldn’t have picked this up or finished it if I weren’t going to see Holly speak.
April 26, 2022
Truly awful story that needed to be told. Such an amazing story of survival.
December 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written in spite of the fact that it's not a real page turner. I had heard so much about this crime through various television programs (like 20/20, Dateline, and America's Most Wanted) so I really thought I'd like to read a complete recounting just from Holly. I'm glad I did because there were certainly some elements that I had missed (or forgotten) over the years. I have to say that this young woman has certainly risen above the horrendous events that happened to her. The facility that she talks about being associated with--Holly's House--is in the same town that she's from and where I live. They offer help to victims both children and adults who have suffered violence and/or abuse whether from family members of complete strangers.
January 31, 2018
I was excited to hear that Holly Dunn had written a book about her story - I live in the same town as she does so I've heard about this story since it happened and I know the work she has done in our community. I enjoyed this book (is it okay to say you "enjoy" a book like this??) It was heartbreaking to read the detailed accounts of what happened and the aftermath that she went through emotionally. I think she is a true testament though that whatever life throws our way we can come back from if we surround ourselves with God, good people, and willingness to want to do better. Highly recommend this one!
December 18, 2017
Being from Evansville, I have been aware of Holly and her story and efforts and success in opening Holly’s House. I decided to read this book because I didn’t closely follow the case at the time. This is a wonderful read. It is written in Holly’s voice and has so much personal truth and a message that it is so full of hope no matter how profound a trauma, you have experienced. My life as been blessed and still her message of gentle faith, continuing work toward healing an forgiveness is awesome.
December 8, 2017
A harrowing story of assault and recovery. Holly Dunn overcame her attack to build a life based on faith and hope. Her story was moving and should be read by people everywhere.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2017
Scary even while knowing the outcome. With great courage changing grief to activism, loss to gain, seeing light at the end of the tunnel despite the tremendous length of that of that tunnel. Empathy and admiration for Holly Dunn, and what she has built in the wake of her loss.
April 23, 2018
What an inspiring story of a woman’s bravery and courage to overcome a horrific event. Although the writing was somewhat rudimentary her story and the topic were
not. I’m looking forward to hearing Holly speak next month and know I will be moved.
not. I’m looking forward to hearing Holly speak next month and know I will be moved.
December 14, 2018
I had never heard of the "Railroad Killer" before so this was certainly an eye-opener. The trauma this
incredible woman suffered and continues to fight against is inspirational. This woman is no victim she's a survivor who has turned her life around and motivates and inspires.
incredible woman suffered and continues to fight against is inspirational. This woman is no victim she's a survivor who has turned her life around and motivates and inspires.
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November 17, 2021I'm not going to rate this but I have a few things to say.
For the vast majority of this book there was little to no emotion. I couldn't seem to get into it. That isn't to say I felt nothing for Holly and what she went through, it just read really... clinical, I guess?
There were also a few comments that made me side-eye the book, the most notable being Holly going to a help center for women who have been through sexual assault. It was rather strange when she insinuated she 'had it worse' than some of the women there. While her experience was horrific, I don't think that particular thought should've been included. Then again, I might have been reading more into it OR misread what she was trying to say completely.
Another thing was how quickly therapy was written off in the book. Therapy has helped millions. While I understand this is her story, it still felt a little weird reading that. She shined a brighter light on Christian faith than on therapy and what it can and has done for millions of people.
With all that being said, it's amazing what Holly has managed to accomplish despite the horrific experience she had. It's clear Chris still lives on each and every day.
For the vast majority of this book there was little to no emotion. I couldn't seem to get into it. That isn't to say I felt nothing for Holly and what she went through, it just read really... clinical, I guess?
There were also a few comments that made me side-eye the book, the most notable being Holly going to a help center for women who have been through sexual assault. It was rather strange when she insinuated she 'had it worse' than some of the women there. While her experience was horrific, I don't think that particular thought should've been included. Then again, I might have been reading more into it OR misread what she was trying to say completely.
Another thing was how quickly therapy was written off in the book. Therapy has helped millions. While I understand this is her story, it still felt a little weird reading that. She shined a brighter light on Christian faith than on therapy and what it can and has done for millions of people.
With all that being said, it's amazing what Holly has managed to accomplish despite the horrific experience she had. It's clear Chris still lives on each and every day.
January 23, 2024
There are not enough stars for this book. I was listening to the morbid podcast and they did a two part series on the Railroad killer. The whole first podcast was about the only survivor and how she had taken this tragedy and turned it into her driving force to help others. They referenced this book and continuously said how good it wsd. Normally I think mane j should check whatever book they are recommending out. This one stuck with me and I had to get it.
I cried my way through this entire book. I cried tears of heart breaks, tears of joy and tears of compassion. Hollys story (and all the others) of her dealings with the absolutely evil Angel was absolutely gut wrenching. Watching her heal and reclaim her life was so inspiring and emotional empowering for me and I am sure anyone who has had even the slightest trama in their life.
This brutal true crime event is unfathomable to most but the heart of this survivor is 100% worth the read! Just grab some tissues.
I cried my way through this entire book. I cried tears of heart breaks, tears of joy and tears of compassion. Hollys story (and all the others) of her dealings with the absolutely evil Angel was absolutely gut wrenching. Watching her heal and reclaim her life was so inspiring and emotional empowering for me and I am sure anyone who has had even the slightest trama in their life.
This brutal true crime event is unfathomable to most but the heart of this survivor is 100% worth the read! Just grab some tissues.
February 8, 2025
This is a quick read. It's conversational and casual in tone. I don't mind it, it's interesting and her positivity in the wake of tragedy is inspiring. You aren't really given a vivid picture through her eyes though, probably a result of her telling the story over and over. Holly's boyfriend (now husband) she had right after the attack made me angry. She broke up with him once she realized she had to focus on addressing her assault through a support group. He was cold and cruel to her after this, punishing her for focusing on her healing from her VERY traumatic experience that had happened only A FEW MONTHS prior. So much that she felt horrible for breaking up with him and felt like it was the wrong decision, validating his anger toward her. It's really sad she thought that was what she deserved from a partner that should've respected the space she needed to heal from an extremely traumatizing experience without making it about themselves. They end up getting married and I do really hope he recognizes how cruel and selfish he treated her after the breakup.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2017
Thanks to Goodreads once again for giving me the opportunity to win this book. What caught my eye when I entered it was that it was the Infamous Railroad Killer. It didn't hit me when I entered, but I am from Evansville, IN (now living in Leesburg, FL) and back in 1997, this story was the headlines in our newspaper. Everyone was talking about it. Everyone knew someone attending the University of Kentucky. We moved to FL 3 years later.
I found Sole Survivor to be a really inspirational story. It really shows that good can come from evil. Holly's House and all the work that Holly Dunn has done and is doing for people in terrible situations continues and it is the best thing she could be doing to help others get through what she has gotten through.
I can't say enough about this book and all I want to say is: Read It. You won't be sorry. Especially if evil entered your life and don't see a way out.
I found Sole Survivor to be a really inspirational story. It really shows that good can come from evil. Holly's House and all the work that Holly Dunn has done and is doing for people in terrible situations continues and it is the best thing she could be doing to help others get through what she has gotten through.
I can't say enough about this book and all I want to say is: Read It. You won't be sorry. Especially if evil entered your life and don't see a way out.
February 11, 2022
How do you review a true crime book written by the only victim? I found myself struggling with this, was it phenomenally written? No. Was there hours upon hours of research? Well no. Does Holly write about one of the most traumatic experiences of her life and share how she managed to survive and thrive despite it? Yes!
Holly tells her story and doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details and I kept wondering how does she have the strength to write about this? How does she retell this story as part of her job? I enjoyed hearing Holly’s story from Holly, and that’s what makes this one unique. If you’re only interested in learning more about the railroad killer there are probably plenty of other true crime books to pick up. But if you’re more curious about Holly, and how she’s turned the worst experience of her life into a driving force for change then pick up this book and read about her story.
Holly tells her story and doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details and I kept wondering how does she have the strength to write about this? How does she retell this story as part of her job? I enjoyed hearing Holly’s story from Holly, and that’s what makes this one unique. If you’re only interested in learning more about the railroad killer there are probably plenty of other true crime books to pick up. But if you’re more curious about Holly, and how she’s turned the worst experience of her life into a driving force for change then pick up this book and read about her story.
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January 15, 2025I don’t think it would be fair to rate this book. Mostly because I think overall she has done a lot for survivors of SA and what she went through was horrific.
But…
The actual book itself was not great, it could have used some better editing. And I may be wrong but I think her sister was the coauthor. Perhaps a professional author would have been a better choice.
Special heads up if you’re not religious, because there are a lot of long references to faith which took everything I had in me to get through.
And I also listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by someone who should have been narrating a dark unsolved mystery, not a story about someone who turned their life around and came out victorious on the other side.
But…
The actual book itself was not great, it could have used some better editing. And I may be wrong but I think her sister was the coauthor. Perhaps a professional author would have been a better choice.
Special heads up if you’re not religious, because there are a lot of long references to faith which took everything I had in me to get through.
And I also listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by someone who should have been narrating a dark unsolved mystery, not a story about someone who turned their life around and came out victorious on the other side.
April 13, 2022
Type: Audiobook via Scribd
Warning: This book contains topics like serial murder, sexual assault and rape. Please consider your triggers and headspace before giving it a read.
This was a super good listen/read. holly's story is inspiring, and also tragic as hell. Through her eyes, we're able to see the side of sexual assault and murder that most people don't pay attention to. It's raw, visceral, heartbreaking and terrifying. You ache for her and people like her, but you also feel inspired by her story.
She was able to overcome massive amounts of trauma due to her experience and she's one of my all time favorite badasses now.
Warning: This book contains topics like serial murder, sexual assault and rape. Please consider your triggers and headspace before giving it a read.
This was a super good listen/read. holly's story is inspiring, and also tragic as hell. Through her eyes, we're able to see the side of sexual assault and murder that most people don't pay attention to. It's raw, visceral, heartbreaking and terrifying. You ache for her and people like her, but you also feel inspired by her story.
She was able to overcome massive amounts of trauma due to her experience and she's one of my all time favorite badasses now.
February 22, 2023
An excellent read about Holly's traumatic experience and inspiring story of everything that came after that fateful night on the railroad tracks in Lexington.
I really loved the whole story of how her and Chris met and the silver toenail polish. Chris sounded like such a fun, likeable guy who loved life.
Living and working as a social worker in the Western KY and Southern IN area I am familiar with Holly's House and the great work they do. I myself volunteered for 5 years as a rape and sexual assault crisis intervention advocate and know how desperately services are needed.
The only thing that took away from this book from me was the narrator of the audiobook. I think I would have enjoyed this more had I just read the e-book and not done the audiobook.
This was overall a pretty emotional read- I did choke up a few times and shed a few tears.
I really loved the whole story of how her and Chris met and the silver toenail polish. Chris sounded like such a fun, likeable guy who loved life.
Living and working as a social worker in the Western KY and Southern IN area I am familiar with Holly's House and the great work they do. I myself volunteered for 5 years as a rape and sexual assault crisis intervention advocate and know how desperately services are needed.
The only thing that took away from this book from me was the narrator of the audiobook. I think I would have enjoyed this more had I just read the e-book and not done the audiobook.
This was overall a pretty emotional read- I did choke up a few times and shed a few tears.
January 7, 2021
This was a stellar autobiography by Holly Dunn, an Evansville native, who survived a brutal assault and rape at the hands of the Railroad Killer in the late 1990's. She tells her story of what happened before, during, and after the assault and rape (and even looking at the man who did this to her at his trial). Her story doesn't end there but she tells of how she turned that experience into a positive manner by helping to open an advocacy center in Evansville, Holly's House. Again, a truly remarkable tale and a must read.
January 6, 2023
I didn’t expect this book to have as much of an impact on me as it did. I cried at parts, and though my own experience of rape isn’t the same as Holly’s, there were so many similarities. It was cathartic to read, but warning- there are some triggering parts in this book. I found this book from a podcast (Morbid, if anyone was wondering!) and am definitely glad I took the time to read it. I certainly couldn’t put it down until I finished.
August 18, 2020
I remember hearing about this story when I came to UK in 1997. As many of us do, I had kind of forgotten about it over the years. I’m so glad to have been recommended this book and so happy to see how Holly has built a great life. A well told story with proper respect paid to Chris and his family also. Great work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews