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Evil Harvest: The True Story of Cult Murder in the American Heartland
On a peaceful August morning in 1985, FBI agents led a raid on a farm outside Rub, Nebraska. The FBI had been watching the farm for weeks. Through their surveillance and intelligence gathering, they learned that the farm was occupied by a small group of white supremacists and that two people had been murdered and buried on the farm. In Evil Harvest, Rod Colvin recreates a chilling story of torture, hate, and perversion and how otherwise common men and women had been pulled into a destructive religious cult a cult that committed unthinkable acts... all in the name of God. ,
364 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 16, 2011
Having married into a northeast Kansas family in 1977 and living in Whiting in 1982, I found this book riveting. At every turn there were names that I recognized, or places I visited or shopped. In rural town America it is hard to recognize that such evil and peversity exists. The book also mentioned a rural Arkansas paramilitary group that brought back memories of my youth and names of people I know are involved with that particular group. Basic end is that no one is totally safe anywhere. There are always people around trying to exploit their beliefs and systems on others who are looking for answers to questions and problems in their lives. I found I had to finish the book before I could put it down and the short chapters easily accommodated me. Chilling!!
July 24, 2013
Well-written account of convicted murderer Mike Ryan and his involvement in Posse Comitatus, an ultra-right wing group that preached bigotry and hatred all in the name of God. I came across this book recently while browsing the true-crime section of the local library. It is one of the best true-crime books that I have read in a great while. Ryan's story begins with his involvement in Posse Comitatus, however Ryan eventually become drunk with the desire for power and control. Eventually he moves his family and followers to a small farm outside Rulo, Nebraska and they begin stockpiling food, weapons and ammunition in their misguided assumption that the Battle of Armageddon is drawing near. They financed their purchases by stealing cattle, hogs, farm equipment and even extorted money from the parents of one of the followers. Ryan turns incredibly violent killing two followers, one a five year-old boy, whom he feels are of Satan. Ryan is eventually arrested and convicted of first-degree murder. Ryan's sixteen-year old son Dennis is convicted of second-degree murder; a third follower is convicted of first-degree murder as well. Other members receive convictions related to conspiracy and theft. All in all a very good, well-written entry in the true-crime genre.
March 4, 2024
For anyone who may have genuine intrigue about cults, sects, alternative lifestyles, or small religious groups, this is a read that will expose you to something a little different. Set in a small town in Nebraska at a time when fringe right-wing hate groups first overwhelmed the system. It is a very well written account of the events that took place when a power-hungry Mike Ryan convinced his family & friends to move onto a farm & obey his every demand as he believed he was in touch with "Yahweh." It pushes some boundaries in relation to some graphic descriptions, but if you've read material of this nature before, then it shouldn't be too confronting.
July 7, 2025
I grew up in NE so was familiar with this part of the state and the life of farmers. This book was hard for me to read because of the absolute control Mike Ryan had over his cult members and how absolutely evil he was. If anyone deserves to rot in hell, it is this man.
December 10, 2023
my jaw literally dropped as i read this book.
ok but like how did ppl believe him like…
bro please USE YOUR BRAINS PLEASE
ok but like how did ppl believe him like…
bro please USE YOUR BRAINS PLEASE
February 19, 2025
There are quotes in this book that are quite ironic to today’s political climate, especially with it being referred to as a cult.
Page 84: “They wouldn’t have cared about what the scholars had to say in any case. Knowledge wasn’t what they thirsted for unless it was knowledge that further ‘proved’ what they already believed.”
Page 98: “‘It was a strange sensation to be part of the press contingent that gathered before this self-righteous bigot. You could feel terribly manipulated on the one hand and even angry that members of your profession had assembled like a pack of trained circus dogs to the bidding of this outrageous buffoon… Such people as Wickstrom and the gun-toting macho fuzzheads who follow him around thrive on attention. While they say they want to be left alone, they are forever devising ways to get publicity.’”
Page 100: “‘No. I’d say in the majority of cases, they eventually get tired, disillusioned, and begin to see through what’s going on. Many times, they end up leaving of their own free will… once they’re fed up.’”
Page 102: “In destructive cults, members believed that the ends justified the means. Members believed that they were above the law as long as they believed that what they were doing was right. Lying, cheating, and stealing were justified.”
Page 345: “‘You know,’ Becker said, ‘I can’t understand how one man can convince a group of others that he is above mankind… how Ryan convinced everyone that he was beyond humanity. I just can’t comprehend it,’ he said, shaking his head.”
Page 84: “They wouldn’t have cared about what the scholars had to say in any case. Knowledge wasn’t what they thirsted for unless it was knowledge that further ‘proved’ what they already believed.”
Page 98: “‘It was a strange sensation to be part of the press contingent that gathered before this self-righteous bigot. You could feel terribly manipulated on the one hand and even angry that members of your profession had assembled like a pack of trained circus dogs to the bidding of this outrageous buffoon… Such people as Wickstrom and the gun-toting macho fuzzheads who follow him around thrive on attention. While they say they want to be left alone, they are forever devising ways to get publicity.’”
Page 100: “‘No. I’d say in the majority of cases, they eventually get tired, disillusioned, and begin to see through what’s going on. Many times, they end up leaving of their own free will… once they’re fed up.’”
Page 102: “In destructive cults, members believed that the ends justified the means. Members believed that they were above the law as long as they believed that what they were doing was right. Lying, cheating, and stealing were justified.”
Page 345: “‘You know,’ Becker said, ‘I can’t understand how one man can convince a group of others that he is above mankind… how Ryan convinced everyone that he was beyond humanity. I just can’t comprehend it,’ he said, shaking his head.”
September 25, 2015
I bought this book because of a sale on Amazon. I knew nothing about the case or that it ever happened. I grew up on the east coast.
When I started reading, I was instantly hooked. This case seemed a textbook example of how someone could manipulate a group of adults into dangerous situations. At the same time the author makes it clear the group was under Ryan's influence, he also makes it clear that some were more willing participants than others; but in the end, almost all came to the realization they had been deceived.
One bright note in this was how law enforcement ha fled the investigation to ensure no one would've harmed--reading about McNabb and how he approached Ryan, that was impressive.
A couple points I wish had been clarified:
--it seems implied that Ryan was influencing the arm test. Is that something he picked up from Wickstrom, did he figure it out himself? Was it conscious or unconscious?
--for all the build up in the book, the end was very abrupt. I would have liked more detail on at least Ryan's trial.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the paramilitary/militia movement, splinter religious groups, or just those moments in history that seem to continue to repeat themselves.
When I started reading, I was instantly hooked. This case seemed a textbook example of how someone could manipulate a group of adults into dangerous situations. At the same time the author makes it clear the group was under Ryan's influence, he also makes it clear that some were more willing participants than others; but in the end, almost all came to the realization they had been deceived.
One bright note in this was how law enforcement ha fled the investigation to ensure no one would've harmed--reading about McNabb and how he approached Ryan, that was impressive.
A couple points I wish had been clarified:
--it seems implied that Ryan was influencing the arm test. Is that something he picked up from Wickstrom, did he figure it out himself? Was it conscious or unconscious?
--for all the build up in the book, the end was very abrupt. I would have liked more detail on at least Ryan's trial.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the paramilitary/militia movement, splinter religious groups, or just those moments in history that seem to continue to repeat themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2012
I have a hard time rating a book like this at all. Was it good? I suppose so, given the subject matter. I had to skim a lot toward the end, horrified by what these people, especially the boy, went through. It literally nauseated me, and that's really not easy to do. To think this guy has been on work release, roaming around the mayor's mansion doing odd jobs just really squicks me out. Squicks is a real term. I made it up right now.
I have to say, I've driven by this farm and have been to this town (which I've always felt was a little odd in itself) and there's definitely a feeling you can't quite describe. Ghostly, is the best word, maybe. It makes you wonder how people become that way.
I have to say, I've driven by this farm and have been to this town (which I've always felt was a little odd in itself) and there's definitely a feeling you can't quite describe. Ghostly, is the best word, maybe. It makes you wonder how people become that way.
June 5, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book as the events transpired not too far from where I lived. I recognized a lot of the local authorities mentioned in this book along with the small rural communities that were effected by this evil event. The author provided me with many details and facts that you would never read in a newspaper. It just shocks and amazes me of the things that happen in small town rural American settings without anyone knowing until it has gone way too far. If you like to read true crime I highly recommend this book. I rate it as 4 stars, however with first hand knowledge of characters and places events occurring I had to bump it up to 5 stars. Enjoy
May 26, 2015
First off, I knew about this case from my work at the county attorney's office, so I'd read some of the opinions this case generated. I was fascinated, and I thought it was a decent book about how someone can rope others into doing things they never would have done otherwise. That being said, I've read a few true crime books lately, one on Jonestown and one on the Rippongi serial rapist, and this one felt a little flat. I wanted to know a little more about the aftermath and recovery. I understand if some of that was down to a concern for victims' privacy. The book was a fairly quick and fascinating read, though, and I had trouble putting it down.
March 12, 2013
Evil Harvest is one of the most disturbing books I have read. Mike Ryan starts a cult in Rulo, NE and what he does to some of those people makes me sick to my stomach. Ryan is a power hungry man and he does what ever he can to make sure his followers know he is in charge. Throughout the book Rod Colvin portrays in detail what Ryan does to torture the members of his cult, to the point where he even kills. This tragic and disturbing story starts out a little slow, but towards the end I did not want to put the book down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2012
A recount of events unfolding in northern Kansas and southeast Nebraska. Describes events associated with Mike Ryan and Rulo Nebraska and his manipulation of cult members. Amazing how people can let themselves get so engrossed in beliefs to hurt others including family and friends. This book provides a very descriptive account of the events leading up to the raid on a small town farm in the heartland.
February 25, 2017
Compelling insight
I Voltaire said " Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. " This book certainly demonstrated the validity of that observation. This book was well researched with just a few errors. I actually knew Mike Ryan. He was portrayed as a teased high school misfit but he really was the school bully. There were many grammatical errors and misspelled words that made it harder to read. But it is a compelling story.
I Voltaire said " Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. " This book certainly demonstrated the validity of that observation. This book was well researched with just a few errors. I actually knew Mike Ryan. He was portrayed as a teased high school misfit but he really was the school bully. There were many grammatical errors and misspelled words that made it harder to read. But it is a compelling story.
January 26, 2016
This was a good read about a terrible situation. It's the kind of book that makes you wish you could put your daily routine aside -- I didn't want to put it down. The real virtue of this one is helping the reader understand what draws someone into a cult and stay there even after things start to go really, really wrong. Well worth a look.
July 4, 2010
True story of a cult in Wisconsin. How one man started with nothing and rose to have followers to his beliefs. Disturbing reading as it all comes to the end. I don't want to think there are other groups out there
November 21, 2015
True Cult Crime Results in Horrific Nightmare
This well-written book graphically tells the story of an uneducated man who assembles a group of equally uneducated men and women to do his bidding.
Unbelievable but true.
This well-written book graphically tells the story of an uneducated man who assembles a group of equally uneducated men and women to do his bidding.
Unbelievable but true.
July 12, 2014
It was hard to believe this happened so close to where I live, or that people can be so persuaded by others. Very sad.
January 6, 2015
Unbelievable cruelty
How do evil seeds like this get planted and grow? By being passive to red flags in society. Better safe than sorry.
How do evil seeds like this get planted and grow? By being passive to red flags in society. Better safe than sorry.
January 25, 2021
Mike Ryan was another Charles Manson. Like Manson, Ryan was uneducated, but had an overpowering personality. In the 1980s, he began attending meetings of the Posse Comitatus in Nebraska. Soon, Ryan created a cult on an isolated farm. Before the police caught up with them, Ryan’s cult had killed two people, including a small child. They had also been involved in scores of other crimes. The lack of notoriety for the case is somewhat surprising, given its bizarre nature.
Evil Harvest is Omaha journalist Rod Colvin’s account of the Ryan case. It’s excellent true crime. Colvin spends little time on the court proceedings and instead focuses on the crimes and the people involved in them (criminals and victims alike). Colvin does a good job of describing rural Nebraska. He helps the reader understand how Ryan used religion to turn seemingly-normal, law-abiding people into criminals. Still, as with all cults, it is difficult to explain how Ryan controlled his followers.
To tell the story, Colvin recreates dialogue and acts as an omniscient narrator who can read each person’s thoughts. The case is intriguing enough that readers will want to keep reading until the end. While I generally enjoy true crime, this is strong stuff. It can be difficult to read in detail about the murders. Likewise, I had trouble reading about how Ryan’s followers debased themselves by engaging in humiliating sex acts.
Evil Harvest is a story about the worst in people. And Colvin pulls no punches about what happened in the case. But the story is very compelling. I recommend it to true-crime fans.
Evil Harvest is Omaha journalist Rod Colvin’s account of the Ryan case. It’s excellent true crime. Colvin spends little time on the court proceedings and instead focuses on the crimes and the people involved in them (criminals and victims alike). Colvin does a good job of describing rural Nebraska. He helps the reader understand how Ryan used religion to turn seemingly-normal, law-abiding people into criminals. Still, as with all cults, it is difficult to explain how Ryan controlled his followers.
To tell the story, Colvin recreates dialogue and acts as an omniscient narrator who can read each person’s thoughts. The case is intriguing enough that readers will want to keep reading until the end. While I generally enjoy true crime, this is strong stuff. It can be difficult to read in detail about the murders. Likewise, I had trouble reading about how Ryan’s followers debased themselves by engaging in humiliating sex acts.
Evil Harvest is a story about the worst in people. And Colvin pulls no punches about what happened in the case. But the story is very compelling. I recommend it to true-crime fans.
August 25, 2024
The Rulo Nebraska Cult murders happened when I was in college and while I do not remember anything of the arrest and trial of Michael and Dennis Ryan in the 80’s I do remember when I moved back to Nebraska to practice law, reading appellate and post conviction relief opinions in both Ryan cases. I was mortified by the heinous brutality of the murders. I will never understand how a raving lunatic can convince people that such horrible acts are justified. I guess I just don’t understand mind control.
Michael Ryan remained on Nebraska’s death row until his death by brain cancer. As I’ve stated before, I do not believe in the death penalty for anyone, but if I did, Michael Ryan would be a perfect candidate. If anyone deserved to be on death row, he absolutely did. This book is not the best written, but it did provide a fairly detailed account of the events that transpired on a rural farm outside of Rulo, Nebraska in the 80’s. It also somewhat provided a history of the Posse Comitatus which I found interesting because I have had to deal with Posse Comitatus members over the years in court. Before reading this book, I really had no idea that there was a loose connection between Michael Ryan and the Posse. But nut cases flock together, so it doesn’t surprise me.
Michael Ryan remained on Nebraska’s death row until his death by brain cancer. As I’ve stated before, I do not believe in the death penalty for anyone, but if I did, Michael Ryan would be a perfect candidate. If anyone deserved to be on death row, he absolutely did. This book is not the best written, but it did provide a fairly detailed account of the events that transpired on a rural farm outside of Rulo, Nebraska in the 80’s. It also somewhat provided a history of the Posse Comitatus which I found interesting because I have had to deal with Posse Comitatus members over the years in court. Before reading this book, I really had no idea that there was a loose connection between Michael Ryan and the Posse. But nut cases flock together, so it doesn’t surprise me.
October 29, 2023
As others have said, it’s hard to rate a book like this. From a psychological/true crime standpoint it’s fascinating to see how one person can truly brainwash others. Towards the end it became so difficult to read the details of how two people, one a child, were tortured and then murdered. Honestly, it felt horrible to read it, even though the author wasn’t excessively gratuitous in description. The crimes are simply vile and heinous, even if told in plain language. On the other hand, it feels important to know how things like these horrible crimes can happen, so we can all be aware and possibly detect the signs if it should ever happen in our own social spheres.
January 13, 2024
I read this book back in the early 90s, but it’s one of those reads that sticks with you. Rod Colvin, formerly with local WOWT news station in Omaha, NE wrote this true crime story in a novel format which was engaging, yet extremely horrifying. He brings the characters to life through his words and you truly understand how the evil was allowed to permeate through his followers. Mike Ryan was a very charismatic man who hid his evil well until it was too late.
I met the author at a book signing after I had read it. I told him he had told the story so well that I felt like I actually knew the characters and actually found myself crying while reading the book.
I met the author at a book signing after I had read it. I told him he had told the story so well that I felt like I actually knew the characters and actually found myself crying while reading the book.
October 24, 2023
A thorough accounting of cult violence, paramilitary activity, and paranoia in southeast Nebraska in the 1980s. It’s well researched and written in a way that respects the victims of the cult while holding them accountable for their crimes. I must say, though, that this is one of the most brutal books I’ve ever read. It made me nauseous on multiple occasions. I assigned this book to a NE history class but ended up pulling it, simply because I don’t really care to discus it or think about it again.
January 9, 2024
Although the story itself is compelling, the amount of dialogue between the different individuals raised questions within me of where the author obtained the information on what was specifically said. It seems to me that by the very nature of the crimes, the cult group and cult mentality, as well as the fact that the majority of conversations are between two people in personal/intimate settings, I find it very difficult to believe that these conversations are nothing but the author's conjecture. Good read, but I have concerns about historical accuracy.
January 25, 2019
I usually enjoy true crime, however this story was overwhelming. How could someone do that to a child? How can his father watch and participate in it? I just cant understand why. I think I am fascinated with true crime because I want to find out the why. I just can't understand why and how a man tortured and killed a man and 5 year old child. Not only that, but he had many others stand by watch and or participate.
January 7, 2024
Evil Harvest is the story of cult leader Mike Ryan. The story lays out Ryan's journey from being interested in the cult's beliefs to absolutely crazy madman who thought he was the archangel Michael. Along the way he committed despicable crimes ranging from kidnapping to murder. I had a hard time making it through some of the events described. The story, though disturbing to say the least, was captivating. It was an "edge of my seat" kind of read.
April 3, 2018
I am very familiar with many of the people written about in this book. There were several inconsistencies, and a few key events were left out. But, all in all, the book does a good job of describing Michael Ryan's journey from loser to insane, egotistical cult leader.
January 7, 2020
I had never heard of this case. The book was a quick read but there were no citations or reporting of methodology. The author frequently wrote what ppl were thinking- how did he know? Otherwise interesting case and entertaining to read.
June 7, 2024
overall, i really enjoyed this book! i think sometimes the writing felt a little dry to me but with true crime, i'd prefer that over something that feels needlessly dramatized. still, it was a very compelling narrative and kept my attention. would recommend!
October 15, 2020
I found this story engaging and very informative. It was well written and well researched. I recently moved to the area and it was interesting to read about places that I have visited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews