Evil at Lake Seminole: The Shocking True Story Surrounding the Disappearance of Mike Williams

I wanted to read this after hearing a podcast on the story of the murder of Mike Williams. The book is wonderful. It’s thoroughly researched and has so many interesting details about all the important people involved. I was often riveted by the writer’s recounting of what happened the day of the murder, the nearly two decades before a break in the case, everything that led up to the guilty parties being held accountable, the trial, verdict, and afterward. A great read for any true crime lover!

At first, the disappearance of Mike Williams, as tragic as it was, doesn't appear all that unusual. A duck hunter falls out of a boat, and seemingly drowns. But once it has been established that his body hadn't been found, Mike's mother Cheryl can't accept the official verdict that his body was consumed by alligators. Adding to her conviction that her son was still alive were messages from God. "Evil at Lake Seminole" leads us through Cheryl's tortured journey to discover what really had happened to her son. Steven B. Epstein fills in the details, a bit at a time, to help unravel the mystery, to its ultimate conclusion.

I usually more 2 books at a time. This book changed that. I got drawn into it. I was drawn into it from the beginning and didn't deviate from it. A very sad and tear jerking book, but also addictive.

This book kept me coming back for more. It is not that you will not have an idea who the murderers are, if you are a fan of real life crime you will keep reading. So in the end justice is served or was it? Did the sometimes deal brokered by investigators who simple run out of time, information, witnesses willing to speak or even death have to resort to (making a deal) with the guilty? You will have to decide if one of them actually got away with murder but, not how you may think in a traditional way. The other fascinating piece to the puzzle that lay unsolved for so many years was the love and tenacity a loving and persistent mother who just never gave up in her quest to bring her child home. I did find the book very steep in detail with several scenarios a bit redundant.

This book was written well and I couldn't stop reading it. What happened to this young man and his family is heartbreaking.

Well written true crime. Details of pre-crime, the crime and then, of course, the aftermath. Investigation, trial and post-trial, including some jury deliberation details. The reader leaves connected to many of the important individuals in the ordeal. In fact, I was wanting even more details of the lifestyle of the victim's wife. In any case, a fascinating recount of this unbelievable crime.

This book is a great read as it takes you from what appears to be a simple boating accident and it becomes one of the most horrific stories of betrayal and truly cold blooded murder ever. The author does a great job of taking a 20 year old mystery and making it a page turner with plot twists and surprises around every new investigatory revelation. And one of the keys to the mystery are the eating habits of the American Alligator, made out to be the villain by the original investigators, but thoroughly exonerated by the end of the book! Great true crime read!

This is the second book I have read by the author. I am a true crime book fan and both of Steve Epstein's books are excellent. This book is very well researched and written. I read it in one day. I am looking forward to his next book. Highly recommend.

This is a well researched, gripping story of a real-life crime that happened 20 years ago. The book tells the story of Mike Williams - by all accounts a wonderful husband and father - who was murdered by his best friend Brian and Brian’s lover, Mike’s own wife Denise. $2 million in life insurance was the main motive but Denise was very devout (at least she acted like she was) and felt it was better to be a rich divorcee rather than a poor widow.Really recommend this story for all true crime lovers and those who like to see bad guys get their comeuppance.

Well written, full of extra details not available in the media. If you are buying a true crime book this is the one you have to have.