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

Book Synopsis: (Note: Print length is 362 pages.)Did Mike accidentally drown in a Florida lake?Or was his disappearance the result of a sinister plot to kill him?The crisp, predawn hours of December 16, 2000, began much as they had many Saturdays for avid duck hunter Mike Williams—on Lake Seminole, where he’d go to relax after a stressful workweek. The Florida State grad was juggling fatherhood with a thriving real estate appraisal career. And that very evening? He and his high school sweetheart, Denise, planned to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. But Mike Williams never returned home.When an intense search of the lake’s marshy waters turned up only his hunting boat and a camouflage hat, investigators reached the morbid conclusion he’d fallen overboard and drowned, his body eaten by alligators. Nearly two decades passed before the dark secrets hidden at Lake Seminole—and elsewhere—were finally revealed. EVIL AT LAKE SEMINOLE is a diabolical tale of betrayal, greed, and deception—and of a courageous mother who devoted her life and savings to uncovering the truth of what really happened to her son.REVIEWS:
“As few true crime books do today, Steve Epstein’s EVIL AT LAKE SEMINOLE captures the humanity of victim Mike Williams, while laying out a solid case with journalistic acuity and grace. Epstein takes readers deeply into the facts, offering a thrilling and, at times, heartbreaking journey. All at once sympathetic and riveting. A new voice in true crime, Epstein is a must-read for fans of the genre.” —M. William Phelps, New York Times bestselling author of 41 books including WHERE MONSTERS HIDE, DANGEROUS GROUND, and several history titles; and the creator and executive producer of Investigation Discovery’s TO CATCH A KILLER and many other television series.
“Steve Epstein’s EVIL AT LAKE SEMINOLE is the unputdownable story of the investigation into Mike Williams’ disappearance while he was duck hunting on Florida’s 37,000-acre reservoir. I was initially frightened by the forbidding alligators and ultimately terrified by the cold-blooded human beings at the heart of the story. This is a well-reported, gripping thriller about a case that baffled a family, a community, and law enforcement for nearly 20 years.” —Rebecca Morris, New York Times bestselling true crime author of BOY MISSING: The Search for Kyron Horman, IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU: Susan Powell, Her Mysterious Disappearance and the Murder of Her Children, and A KILLING IN AMISH COUNTRY: Sex, Betrayal and a Cold-Blooded Murder
“A fascinating and riveting read. In EVIL AT LAKE SEMINOLE, Epstein takes you on an incredible excursion through the amazing developments in a 17-year quest for justice. You won’t want to set it down until you reach the improbable conclusion.” —Diane Fanning, author of 26 books including DEATH ON THE RIVER, MOMMY’S LITTLE GIRL, and WRITTEN IN BLOOD
“Steve Epstein takes you on a wild ride as he leads you through a 17-year murder investigation that has more twists and turns than an upside down rollercoaster. In his second true crime book, Epstein once again pairs in-depth research and eloquent prose with a fascinating story that promises to keep you turning the pages until the shocking conclusion.” —Amanda Lamb, author of nine books including LOVE LIES, EVIL NEXT DOOR, and DEADLY DOSE
“Steve Epstein takes readers on an intense, harrowing journey to witness the EVIL AT LAKE SEMINOLE. Frighteningly unforgettable! A very exciting read I thoroughly enjoyed.” —Dan Zupansky, host of “True Murder: The Most Shocking Killers”and author of TROPHY KILL: The “Shall We Dance” Murder”…I was locked into the story with every flip of the page.” — Tony Holt, founder and former host of the Sun Crime State podcast and reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette