This was not an easy book to write. The subject matter—serial-killer truckers, their victims, sex trafficking, and the professionals who strive to stop the killings, reduce trafficking, and aid victims—isn’t pleasant. Yet it’s a story that needed to be told, if only to shed light on places left in the dark for too long.
My task was made easier by the kind people who graciously offered their time and shared their passions with me. I would not have wanted to attempt this project without the expertise of Dr. Celia Williamson of the University of Toledo and Dr. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz of Arizona State University. The work they do in support of sex-trafficking victims brings hope to those who most need it. That’s why I’ve provided their organizations with financial donations. If you feel similarly inclined, please consider donating to Starfish Place via the Venmo application at @starfish-fundaz or at phoenix.gov/housing/findingaffordablerental/starfish-place, and to RISE at rise@use.salvationarmy.org.
My journey into the world of long-haul trucking was illuminated by Dale, the Spirit of Trucking Past, and Mike, the Spirit of Trucking Present. If all young long-haul drivers are like Mike, our roads and our cargo are safer and more secure than I originally imagined. Only a tiny fraction of truckers are responsible for the murders in the FBI’s Highway Serial Killings Initiative. Truckers are a crucial component of our nation’s supply chain. They are essential workers who don’t deserve to be tarnished by those who dishonor the profession.
Crime analyst Terri Turner of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation retired soon after our discussions. I’m happy for her, yet I know that crime fighting across her state is diminished without her decades of experience. I’m grateful that the woman who first recognized that the murders happening across state lines were linked and that they required a national approach was able to speak with me.
FBI crime analyst Catherine DeVane didn’t know it, but she planted the seed for this book during an FBI-approved conversation about violent crime analysis. When I told my literary agent, Peter McGuigan of Ultra Literary, about my talk with Catherine, he exclaimed, “That’s your next book!” I guess he was right.
Victims are the heart of this book. Their stories and their willingness to share them bring a glimmer of hope to anyone who has hit rock bottom. Women like Hannah and Nancy have not only survived addiction and trafficking but thrived in its aftermath. Their decision to dedicate their lives to helping others who face the monumental challenge of climbing out of hell reflects their resolve to turn victimhood into victory.
At Mariner/HarperCollins, vice president and publisher Peter Hubbard helped make this book better than it would have been without him. Assistant editor Jessica Vestuto was gracious and patient with me, and copyeditor Tracy Roe polished my manuscript with precision.
While delving into the pure evil embedded in the horror stories of serial killings, I never lost sight of the fact that I was surrounded by the light and love of my wife and family. They were the antidote to the darkness.
As required of books written by former FBI employees, this manuscript underwent a prepublication review to identify any potential disclosures of classified or sensitive information, but it was not reviewed by the Bureau for editorial content or accuracy. The FBI does not endorse or validate any information described in this book. The opinions expressed are mine and not those of the FBI or any other federal government agency or department. The factual descriptions of FBI investigations I did not directly work on are based primarily on public news reports, interviews, and other source reporting, not on information I learned while serving as an FBI special agent.