Special Ep 149: RIDERS ON THE STORM- Based on a True Story by Sherri Kukla- who chats with Jill!
Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast
Release Date: 01/14/2026
Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast
In this special episode, discover the gripping new true crime book, 'Dog O’ War,' which is indeed stranger than fiction! Author Aphrodite Jones unravels the chilling circumstances surrounding the mauling death of 33-year-old lacrosse coach Diane Whipple, who was attacked by a presa canario, a rare breed of dog. Jones reveals how this tragic incident became intertwined with the sinister motives of the Aryan Brotherhood, a ruthless group driven by white supremacy and greed. Additionally, the book explores a twisted love triangle and the legal fallout that resulted from this case. Listen,...
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Judith A. Yates, an award-winning author and criminologist, brings a unique perspective to true crime with her latest project, her book, Shadows in Fire. For the past seven years, she has been in communication with Shirley Winters, a little-known serial killer and serial arsonist. As one of the rare female serial killers, Shirley has never shared her story outside of law enforcement—until now. Discussing Judith's forthcoming book, Shadows in Fire, she and Jill discuss the chilling details of Shirley Winters' crimes, her troubled childhood, mental health challenges, motivations, and her...
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Part 3: As Jill Cahill teeters at death’s door, her family is engulfed in grief, reeling from the sudden tragedy that has shattered their world and deeply affected her children. Investigators are diligently unraveling the intricate details of the murder plot, all while a pivotal trial looms on the horizon. Her parents braced themselves for a fierce custody battle, determined to secure their grandchildren, while they fervently prayed for justice. When the verdict finally arrives, its shockwaves resonate throughout New York State, triggering significant judicial changes that are still...
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Part 2: Nearly beaten to death, Jill fights for her life as she endures a grueling cycle of comas, surgeries, and infections, fluctuating between hope and despair. A fierce custody battle erupts over her children, coinciding with the investigation into the brutal assault. Meanwhile, Jeff Cahill finds his life shattered, unaware that his choices will lead him down a more devastating path, leaving a wider trail of destruction that no one could anticipate, forever altering the laws of the State of New York. (Be sure to listen to Part 1, Ep 159 before this episode! Context is crucial!) BUY...
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In 1982, a wave of terror swept across the Chicago area and the rest of the United States as seven people suddenly died; the manner of death was homicide; the cause: POISON! Tampering, someone had spiked Tylenol capsules with cyanide and American changed overnight. This shocking crime left the public in fear; anyone could have been targeted! For 44 years, an extensive investigation aimed to uncover the truth, but the case grew cold, leading many to believe that the cunning killer had escaped justice. Now, however, there is a startling revelation. Forensic psychologist Joseph Cibelli has...
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Part I: A boy meets a girl, and love ignites. They marry, craft a life together, and welcome their son and daughter, a perfect family. But as time unfolds, pressures rise, people evolve, and dreams unravel. While divorces are part of many people's stories, Jeff and Jill Cahill's tale is far from ordinary. It's a nightmare that shocks and devastates at every turn. When their lives take a dark twist, disastrous choices have ripple effects that devastate those around them. Families are shattered, hearts are left in ruins, and overwhelming confusion leaves us questioning: “How can anyone treat...
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It's time to start a conversation! The amazing David Lyons, a retired homicide detective and co-host of The Murder Police podcast, is Jill’s guest. These podcast hosts have an important discussion about David's new book, True Crime and Consequence. In it, David Lyons examines the increasing influence of the true crime community on real-life investigations. This timely work raises important questions about how podcasts, social media, and amateur sleuthing impact investigations, for better or worse. How can everyday citizens ethically, legally, and compassionately contribute to solving cases?...
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Spoiler Alert! Be sure to listen to Parts 1 and 2, Ep 152 and 154, before listening to this conclusion! Part 3: In this gripping conclusion, after a lengthy 16-year manhunt, the Mad Bomber, George Metesky, is finally apprehended in Waterbury, Connecticut, long after he unleashed a wave of terror across New York City with his dangerous bombings. The palpable relief among NYPD Captain Kinney and the Bomb Squad echoes through the halls of ‘The Tombs,’ a notoriously grim jail in Lower Manhattan, where Metesky is held. In the courtroom, a fierce contest unfolds between the...
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Part 6- Lost Girls by Robert Kolker. Retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone, known from Crimecon, the Hamptons Whodunit, and "True Crime with the Sarge," joins Jill to discuss the latest intriguing developments in the Long Island Serial Killer case. What formidable challenges does Rex Heuermann's defense team face in light of the evidence that has emerged? What complexities confront Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney as he personally spearheads the prosecution, especially given the troubling history of missteps and corruption associated with this case? The recent revelation...
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PART 4: Best-selling author Leslie Rule joins Jill for an engaging discussion about the unforgettable case she explores in her gripping book, A Tangled Web. Leslie offers her keen insights into the mind of the perpetrator, delving into her motivations and sharing a groundbreaking new development that sheds light on many of our lingering questions. Plus, she’s excited to unveil her next project, which is bound to excite true crime enthusiasts! Spoiler Alert: To fully enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to Jill’s A Tangled Web trilogy—Episodes 137, 138, and 141—first! PLANNING...
info_outlineAuthor Sherri Kukla joins Jill to discuss her brand new true crime book, Riders on the Storm, which reveals the chilling true story of William E. Cook, a spree killer largely forgotten by history—until now! As kidnappings escalate into murder, they send shockwaves through the nation, prompting the largest manhunt since John Dillinger was captured in 1934. Jill and Sherri delve into the haunting story, pay tribute to the victims and their families, and reflect on a nation paralyzed by fear just five years after the end of World War II. And who was Billy Cook, the Cockeyed Killer? Told with integrity and respect, Kukla ensures the victims' voices are heard. Fun Fact: This case inspired The Doors’ rock and roll classic, "Riders on the Storm"!
BUY Sherri Kukla’s RIDERS ON THE STORM on Amazon!
Sherri Kukla’s page on RIDERS ON THE STORM.
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Sources, photographs, and information can be found on Jill’s blog: January 2026
Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.