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The Lost Colony Murder on the Outer Banks: Seeking Justice for Brenda Joyce Holland
In the summer of 1967, 19 year old Brenda Joyce Holland disappeared.
A mountain girl who had come to Manteo to work on The Lost Colony, Brenda's body was found three days later, floating in the Sound. This riveting narrative, built on unique access to state investigative files and multiple interviews with insiders, searches for the truth of the unsolved murder. This island odyssey of discovery includes séances, a suicide, and a supposed shallow grave.
Journalist John Railey cuts through the myths and misdirections to finally arrive at the long-hidden truth of what happened to Brenda Holland that summer on Roanoke Island.
A mountain girl who had come to Manteo to work on The Lost Colony, Brenda's body was found three days later, floating in the Sound. This riveting narrative, built on unique access to state investigative files and multiple interviews with insiders, searches for the truth of the unsolved murder. This island odyssey of discovery includes séances, a suicide, and a supposed shallow grave.
Journalist John Railey cuts through the myths and misdirections to finally arrive at the long-hidden truth of what happened to Brenda Holland that summer on Roanoke Island.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2021
83 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 17, 2022
This just makes me want to know more about the Outer Banks.
August 14, 2021
(3.5)
“You have to remember there are no secrets in Manteo.”
Welcome to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Beautiful beaches and cotton candy skies spoil tourists and locals with Instagram worthy pictures. There’s so much history on in this area, such as the Wright brothers first in flight museum, the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island and more.
In the summer of 1967 Brenda Joyce Holland begins working at the Lost Colony play. She’s only 19 years old and is full of excitement to be in the Outer Banks working and fitting right in with the locals. Then Joyce goes missing and five days later her body is recovered in the sound of Manteo. Fingers point to several suspects but no one is ever charged with the crime. Decades later the case still isn’t solved, and unfortunately as time has passed more and more of the names mentioned here have died leaving behind more unanswered questions.
As a frequent vacationer of the Outer Banks I was very interested in this case. I had never been aware of this case and was curious about how it was going to be explained. I was screaming about the way evidence was handled or mishandled. I’m so appreciative of the advances technology has made so that more cases similar to this one is solved. I felt the journalist, John Railey did an impeccable job researching all the factors of this case. It’s obvious he was dedicated to the process of putting as much on the table as he could find. It reads very factual and to the point. If you’re into unsolved true crime this may be great option for you.
“You have to remember there are no secrets in Manteo.”
Welcome to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Beautiful beaches and cotton candy skies spoil tourists and locals with Instagram worthy pictures. There’s so much history on in this area, such as the Wright brothers first in flight museum, the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island and more.
In the summer of 1967 Brenda Joyce Holland begins working at the Lost Colony play. She’s only 19 years old and is full of excitement to be in the Outer Banks working and fitting right in with the locals. Then Joyce goes missing and five days later her body is recovered in the sound of Manteo. Fingers point to several suspects but no one is ever charged with the crime. Decades later the case still isn’t solved, and unfortunately as time has passed more and more of the names mentioned here have died leaving behind more unanswered questions.
As a frequent vacationer of the Outer Banks I was very interested in this case. I had never been aware of this case and was curious about how it was going to be explained. I was screaming about the way evidence was handled or mishandled. I’m so appreciative of the advances technology has made so that more cases similar to this one is solved. I felt the journalist, John Railey did an impeccable job researching all the factors of this case. It’s obvious he was dedicated to the process of putting as much on the table as he could find. It reads very factual and to the point. If you’re into unsolved true crime this may be great option for you.
April 2, 2024
I read this one just in time for a trip to OBX. It’s very frustrating that the evidence was apparently mishandled over and over. This case should have been solvable. Very informative and captivating.
February 1, 2022
I'm not usually a huge fan of true crime novels, but this one had me hooked from the very first page. Railey not only provides a massive collection of brand new evidence and theory on this one-time cold case, but he also weaves it together into a cohesive and enjoyable storyline that takes you directly back to the summer of 1967 on the Outer Banks in glorious and impressive detail. A must read!
March 21, 2022
Interesting history if you are of the same era and interested in N C outer banks history. Lots of repetitive info…but interesting case study on a very tragic mutter…
August 13, 2022
Exceptional work
I’ve read hundreds of books in the True Crime genre over several decades. Most of them are formulaic and I find myself speed reading through them to reach the conclusion. The narrative is often dry and devoid of authentic emotion. This book is different. You will want to read every word and stop now and then to think or cry a little. The photographs of Brenda on the beach are devastatingly sad. John Railey has leveled up the genre with this book.
I’ve read hundreds of books in the True Crime genre over several decades. Most of them are formulaic and I find myself speed reading through them to reach the conclusion. The narrative is often dry and devoid of authentic emotion. This book is different. You will want to read every word and stop now and then to think or cry a little. The photographs of Brenda on the beach are devastatingly sad. John Railey has leveled up the genre with this book.
May 23, 2023
Grabbed this one at the cutest little local bookstore down in the Outer Banks. It was an interesting true crime that had me really thinking about who could have done this horrible murder!
March 12, 2023
An interesting breakdown about an "officially unsolved" case that I'd not previously heard of. As a person who vacationed in Manteo many times growing up (my parents had lived on Roanoke Island for about three years in the early to mid 1980s and so when I was growing up in the 1990s we often went to stay with friends of theirs), I saw The Lost Colony on stage a few times and so reading about the history of the show and how this young woman had been connected to it was a good draw for me. All those visits also meant that I could picture the places mentioned (though I'm sure they looked much different in 1967). While I find it hard to picture an entire island of people being terrified after the death of a single individual, I did remind myself that Manteo of 1967 was a lot more remote, class divided, and quiet than the bustling tourist attraction I grew up seeing in the early 1990s.
As far as style and presentation, the facts of the case as it can be known are well laid out. There's a list of "players" at the beginning so that people can know beforehand what names they are likely to see pop up repeatedly. The facts are given chronologically with the investigative timeline, so it's a lot less confusing than other true crime monographs I've read (some of which go back and forth between the investigation to periods before the crime multiple times). For the first 3/4 of the report, the information is relatively unbiased. It's just factual, investigative reporting. For the last quarter of the book though, you can tell that Railey has his theory about the killer and the last bit is mainly his argument about how that suspect possibly accomplished the crime and covered it up.
And even though the evidence is all circumstantial, I can definitely see why he believes his proclaimed suspect to be the killer. Based on the circumstantial evidence, said suspect should have been investigated a lot more thoroughly, and I'm glad that Railey calls out the former investigators for their "tunnel vision" and confirmation bias. Due to the mishandling of evidence, it's unlikely this case will ever be solved officially, but one can make a solid argument that Railey's proposed suspect could have been indicted if proper procedure had been followed.
As far as style and presentation, the facts of the case as it can be known are well laid out. There's a list of "players" at the beginning so that people can know beforehand what names they are likely to see pop up repeatedly. The facts are given chronologically with the investigative timeline, so it's a lot less confusing than other true crime monographs I've read (some of which go back and forth between the investigation to periods before the crime multiple times). For the first 3/4 of the report, the information is relatively unbiased. It's just factual, investigative reporting. For the last quarter of the book though, you can tell that Railey has his theory about the killer and the last bit is mainly his argument about how that suspect possibly accomplished the crime and covered it up.
And even though the evidence is all circumstantial, I can definitely see why he believes his proclaimed suspect to be the killer. Based on the circumstantial evidence, said suspect should have been investigated a lot more thoroughly, and I'm glad that Railey calls out the former investigators for their "tunnel vision" and confirmation bias. Due to the mishandling of evidence, it's unlikely this case will ever be solved officially, but one can make a solid argument that Railey's proposed suspect could have been indicted if proper procedure had been followed.
March 30, 2022
The Lost Colony Murder on the Outer Banks by John Railey
As someone who regularly vacations in the Outer Banks, graduated from Campbell University, and is obsessed with true crime, I can’t believe I was not familiar with this story!
During the summer of 1967, vivacious and independent Brenda Joyce Holland moved to Manteo in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the summer. She had secured a job as costume designer for The Lost Colony play, made famous by Andy Griffith, rather than returning home to Canton, NC during the summer break. On the night of June 30 she went out for drinks with a friend after work and was never seen alive again.
This was such a sad story! It’s crazy that the Outer Banks, a location where some of my happiest memories were made, was the location where one young girl endured so much pain and suffering. This case highlights police bias of that time and the importance of proper handling of evidence. Based on the information available, I agree with Railey’s proposed timeline of events. May this lovely young woman Rest In Peace.
I recommend this for those who enjoy true crime and cold case narratives, especially those familiar with the OBX of NC.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ - 4/5
As someone who regularly vacations in the Outer Banks, graduated from Campbell University, and is obsessed with true crime, I can’t believe I was not familiar with this story!
During the summer of 1967, vivacious and independent Brenda Joyce Holland moved to Manteo in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for the summer. She had secured a job as costume designer for The Lost Colony play, made famous by Andy Griffith, rather than returning home to Canton, NC during the summer break. On the night of June 30 she went out for drinks with a friend after work and was never seen alive again.
This was such a sad story! It’s crazy that the Outer Banks, a location where some of my happiest memories were made, was the location where one young girl endured so much pain and suffering. This case highlights police bias of that time and the importance of proper handling of evidence. Based on the information available, I agree with Railey’s proposed timeline of events. May this lovely young woman Rest In Peace.
I recommend this for those who enjoy true crime and cold case narratives, especially those familiar with the OBX of NC.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ - 4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
I found this to be very interesting! I was not familiar with this case prior to reading the book - but apparently it was a famous murder case in North Carolina back in the 60's. The book is extremely well researched, and also well written (which is not always the case for true crime books). It is also well organized, which I appreciate (some true crime books jump around all over the place - this is very systematically laid out). Interesting story of not only the victim and the murder, but also the investigation. Details all of the problems with the investigation, including "tunnel vision" of certain suspects and disregard of other credible suspects, mishandled evidence, lost/missing evidence, etc. Mr. Railey also shares new evidence in the case, and lays out his perception of what happened and who most likely committed the crime. A worthwhile read for true-crime fans and/or folks in the Outer Banks area of NC.
October 27, 2022
This is the true story of a murder that happened in the summer of 1967 when Brenda Joyce Holland disappeared on the OuterBacks on North Carolina. She was a mountain girl who had come to Mantco to work in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony. Her body was found five days later, floating in the sound.
This riveting narrative, built on unique access to the state investigative file and multiple interviews with insiders, searches for the truth of her unsolved murder. This island odyssey of discovery includes seances, a suicide and a supposed shallow grave. Journalist John Railey cuts through the myths and mistakes to finally arrive at the long-hidden truth of what happened to Brenda Holland that summer on Roanoke Island.
This was a very good book and one that leaves me thinking about her and her unfortunate murder. I look forward to reading another book by this author as he did a great job writing about this mystery long after it happened.
This riveting narrative, built on unique access to the state investigative file and multiple interviews with insiders, searches for the truth of her unsolved murder. This island odyssey of discovery includes seances, a suicide and a supposed shallow grave. Journalist John Railey cuts through the myths and mistakes to finally arrive at the long-hidden truth of what happened to Brenda Holland that summer on Roanoke Island.
This was a very good book and one that leaves me thinking about her and her unfortunate murder. I look forward to reading another book by this author as he did a great job writing about this mystery long after it happened.
July 16, 2022
a really thoroughly researched, respectful piece of investigative journalism. with so many players, it was easy to get confused at times, but railey was great at providing appositives for reminders. railey did an amazing job describing the atmosphere of 1967 manteo. i’m glad this was written and that i now know brenda joyce holland’s name. i hope this provides even the smallest bit of comfort to those who knew and loved her.
on a five mile hike with a friend a few weeks back, i told her i was reading this book by a popular investigative journalist based in raleigh and she said, “is it railey? us locals know a lot about him. he’s great.” i just thought it was a nice aside. i myself first became aware of this book while working as a public librarian, when this book was put in the “local authors” section.
on a five mile hike with a friend a few weeks back, i told her i was reading this book by a popular investigative journalist based in raleigh and she said, “is it railey? us locals know a lot about him. he’s great.” i just thought it was a nice aside. i myself first became aware of this book while working as a public librarian, when this book was put in the “local authors” section.
April 30, 2024
A revealing, fascinating and maddening read. I couldn’t put it down, and breezed through it in a day while vacationing in Corolla. The author here does an excellent job in scene-setting and explaining of the circumstances around the murder of Brenda Joyce Holland and what the Outer Banks and Manteo were like in 1967. And then, with incredible details and dogged reporting, he paints a vivid picture of how law enforcement bungled this case with incompetence, naïveté, a failure to see past stature in a small town, occasional stupidity, and effort that could sometimes be described as lackadaisical, at best. The author here uncovers more and comes to a clearer conclusion than a sheriff and team of investigators ever hoped to. It’s an impressive work of journalism, but a shame for the victim’s family that it had to wait so long for answers.
October 2, 2022
I added this to my to read list before taking a trip to Nags Head. I didn't get to it before the trip, but wish that I had. Tip: If this catches your interest for the same reason, it's worth the time and better exposure than Nights in Rodanthe.
The start was a little dry, but I pushed through. Why should you read this?
*It is a true crime and mystery , but not gruesome (there is some repition, but that should be expected in a real life investigation).
*Exposure to the history of the Outer Banks and points of view from locals.
*Intrigue about The Lost Colony and the ongoing play still being put on today (and the lore of mysterious disappearances).
*It is an example of inequalities an social norms more common place in the lae 60's.
The start was a little dry, but I pushed through. Why should you read this?
*It is a true crime and mystery , but not gruesome (there is some repition, but that should be expected in a real life investigation).
*Exposure to the history of the Outer Banks and points of view from locals.
*Intrigue about The Lost Colony and the ongoing play still being put on today (and the lore of mysterious disappearances).
*It is an example of inequalities an social norms more common place in the lae 60's.
May 17, 2023
All I can say is Wow. This book is full of twists and turns and suspects and non suspects -- almost reading like a fiction novel but the key difference is that it is true. Set in the late 1960's in the popular vacation spot on the Outer Banks North Carolina, this book focuses on an unsolved murder that took place during the summer of an employee of the popular (still running) play about The Lost Colony. The author does an amazing job of making this read more like a Dateline / 20-20 episode than a slow history retrospective. The pace is fast, the characters are well developed and the ending of this non-fiction book does not disappoint. Worth checking out for all fans of mystery, and crime, and for fans of the Outer Banks.
May 28, 2024
Excellent true crime edition. Brenda Holland was murdered shortly after she arrived on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to do makeup for The Lost Colony outdoor production. She was beginning a new life after high school graduation, and turned twenty not long after she arrived. She cut her hair and dyed it blond and she was excited about her summer adventure in a place so different from her Appalachian roots. Her time there was tragically cut short, but by whom? Because of mishandling of evidence, and the law enforcement's tunnel vision on the young man she had seen that night as a suspect, the case was never solved. But there were those who knew who did it, and as the author exhibits in this book, we probably now have the truth.
July 1, 2023
Intriguing
The author cover the trail and eventual cold case of Brenda Holland who as murdered in 1967 while working on the North Carolina islands in the local playhouse production of The Lost Colony.
Eventually the went cold, but the author put feelers out to key players and persons of interest in the case.
His attempts helped circumstantial solve the 50 year cold case as he covered events from 1967 through 2018.
The writing style leant the book as an easy read of a very convoluted case.
Very interesting and very well done. Cold case fans as well as those who enjoy the true crime gender will enjoy this effort. Excellent book.
The author cover the trail and eventual cold case of Brenda Holland who as murdered in 1967 while working on the North Carolina islands in the local playhouse production of The Lost Colony.
Eventually the went cold, but the author put feelers out to key players and persons of interest in the case.
His attempts helped circumstantial solve the 50 year cold case as he covered events from 1967 through 2018.
The writing style leant the book as an easy read of a very convoluted case.
Very interesting and very well done. Cold case fans as well as those who enjoy the true crime gender will enjoy this effort. Excellent book.
August 16, 2022
I love books about true stories especially mysteries. This book is well written and completely held my attention. The author did a great job of making it easy to keep the characters straight. I loved how he ended the book. That's all I'm going to say about that because I don't want to give it away. It was easy to read and as I have visited the Outer Banks many times and will continue to do so, it was nice reading about familiar places and being able to picture the area.
October 11, 2022
Mr. Railey describes the Manteo and Outer Banks areas so that a person can picture every building, every beach, every house even if he/she has never visited there. He is detailed and thorough in his research and in telling Brenda's story. His theory, after reading his comprehensive story, makes sense and leaves the reader wondering why law enforcement couldn't figure who killed Brenda - or could they?
May 23, 2021
I live on outer Banks this story is Sad! The writer has captured the true essence of the island life
I was so captivated by the authors words & description of the island life here on the Outer Banks I'm from here and it is exactly how it was here. Anyone wanting a true mystery read this! Could not put it down!
I was so captivated by the authors words & description of the island life here on the Outer Banks I'm from here and it is exactly how it was here. Anyone wanting a true mystery read this! Could not put it down!
July 26, 2021
I'm familiar with this author as he is a newspaper reporter and his columns have appeared in our local paper from time to time. This book was written from his perspective of this awful murder which remains unsolved after more than 50 years. By the end of the book he has pretty much proven who the murderer was A very interesting read.
January 5, 2023
This is such a tragic yet fascinating story. It was not only a terrible event, but the way the investigation was handled made things so much worse. I have to admit the author's guess at the end makes sense based on all the evidence that was laid out, but with so many people now gone, the whole truth will never be known.
April 18, 2023
2.5. This would have benefitted from a more involved editor (no offense to whoever was involved with this book). Repetitive descriptions, odd pacing, and uninspired language. There were some less than kind descriptions of the victim's family, which even if true, seemed gratuitous and irrelevant. They've been through enough.
December 15, 2023
This was my first true crime novel. I read it because we've been going to the Outer Banks for 40 years so I know the area. Did not know about this murder though. Very tragic but the story was very interesting. If you've been to the Outer Banks and been to see the Lost Colony you will probably be interested in reading this book.
December 25, 2024
A good explanation of a complicated case. The writing rambled a little, but some details were worth revisiting.
I actually picked this book up on my first trip (only currently, but the place got its hooks in me) to Manteo, and I have enjoyed remembering the town while reading it.
Quite an unfortunate story, but I agree with the author's assumptions based on the facts presented.
I actually picked this book up on my first trip (only currently, but the place got its hooks in me) to Manteo, and I have enjoyed remembering the town while reading it.
Quite an unfortunate story, but I agree with the author's assumptions based on the facts presented.
March 22, 2025
As a NC person, I enjoyed the book but not sure how wide the appeal would be. It could have been improved by some editing as others mentioned, and I wasn’t sure at first whether I’d finish. One thing I thought was odd was how at one point the author interjects information about himself, writing that the crime he avoided getting caught for was drunk driving… could have done without that.
June 25, 2025
An overview of one of my favorite areas as well as a snapshot of a time when police work, especially when supported by a small budget, was shoddy and often incompetent. This book offers a reasonable answer to one of the most famous cold cases in the Outer Banks, but the physical evidence is gone if it was ever there.
August 24, 2021
It was a bit dry in places, still an interesting story. As a native North Carolinian, I have a natural interest in things that take place in my home state. I learned quite a few things about Manteo and the outer banks.
It’s very sad, especially as it’s true.
It’s very sad, especially as it’s true.
September 3, 2021
Compelling
Interesting book. I enjoyed reading about the old places in and around Nags Head that I remember from childhood summers spent in the Outer Banks. Very disappointed that the case really wasn’t solved.
Interesting book. I enjoyed reading about the old places in and around Nags Head that I remember from childhood summers spent in the Outer Banks. Very disappointed that the case really wasn’t solved.
October 25, 2021
I went for a 3 star review because:
Too many characters
Too many ideas scenes reasons gone over and over again and again
I liked the premise and the mystery of it all, the location and its history.
Too many characters
Too many ideas scenes reasons gone over and over again and again
I liked the premise and the mystery of it all, the location and its history.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews