Ep 152, 153 & 155! Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell

 

BUY INCENDIARY: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell on Amazon!

BUY other fabulous Michael Cannell books!

Unsolved Wall Street Bombing of 1920 (FBI)

Unsolved Wall Street Bombing 1920 (FBI)

Penn Station 1950s- Target.(Wikipedia)

Oyster Bar, Grand Central Station, 1950s- Target.(Wikipedia)

NYC Public Library-1950s- Target. (Wikipedia)

Buy Dr. Brussels' book on AMAZON! 

The Mad Bomber- Captured!
George Metesky

Crime Scene- Murder of Mary Nerich, 1957

Another Dr. Brussel profile cracks the case, the murder of Mary Nerich, 1957.

Killer of Mary Nerich murders again, 1981.

Another Dr. Brussel profile case- The Boston Strangler

1962-1964

Survivor of the Boston Strangler, 1964

Albert DeSalvo was arrested for sexual assault in Boston in 1964.

SOURCES

40-Year old man convicted of killing a woman, UPI.com (Archives), 1981.

A Year to Remember- 1945- Dancing the Jitterbug, YouTube.com, Jan 2026.

California Jubilee in "Let's Twist Again"- Chubby Checker, YouTube.com, 2014.

Eric Rudolph, History, FBI.gov, 2026. 

Gerold Frank, The Boston Strangler, Open Road Media, 1967.

James A. Brussel, Casebook of a Crime Psychiatrist, Bernard Geis Associates, 1968.

James A. George, Offender Profiling and Expert Testimony: Scientifically Valid or Glorified Results, Vanderbilt Law Review, 2008.

Jenna, New York Cheese Cake with Strawberry Sauce, Butternut Bakery.com, 2026.

Kirk Yeager Ph.D, Understanding Bombers' Motivation: A Historical Study, Featured Articles, FBI.gov, March 9, 2022.

Dr Yeager's diagram from his research - See who is an example- George Metesky!

Mark Safarik, Katherine Ramsland, Spree Killers: Practical Classifications for Law Enforcement and Criminology, CRC Press, Oct. 18, 2018.

Michael Cannell, Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling, Minotaur Books, April 25, 2017.

Michael Cannell, Unmasking the Mad Bomber, Smithstonian.com, April 2017.

Michael Greenburg, The Mad Bomber of New York: The Extraordinary True Story of the Manhunt That Paralyzed a City, Union Square Press, NYC, April 5, 2011.

Richard Gonzales et al, Austin Bomber suspect, Mark Anthony Conditt, left a 'confession' before standoff, Capradio, March 20, 2018.

The Mad Bomber- Getty Images, Jan. 2026.

The Mad Bomber Strikes In NY, History.com, May 28, 2025.

The Unabomber, History, FBI.gov, 2026.

Wall Street Bombing of 1920, HISTORY-Famous cases and Criminals, FBI.org, Jan 2026.

Walter C. Langer, A Psychological Analysis of Adolph Hitler: His life and legend, CIA.gov, 2025.

Feb 2026 Deadly Route by Karen DeVanie and Anne Varner - A Review by Jill of the Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast

BUY DEADLY ROUTE BY Varner & DeVanie on Amazon!

    The incredible dynamic duo is back with their second book in the 'Say My Name Series', titled Deadly Route. Do not overlook that first sentence; the key phrase is “say my name.” Karen DeVanie and Anne Varner are dedicated to honoring the victims of crimes that occurred in their hometown of Franklin, Virginia, which has profoundly shaped the sisters' personalities and love of true crime. 

    In this novel, the authors present the story from the perspectives of characters Georgia, Olive, and Toby. Through their gripping internal monologues, readers are drawn into themes of optimism, intervention, and the menacing figure known as ‘The Savage.’ With exquisite foreshadowing, we realize that The Savage will eventually intersect with someone or something, creating a growing tension that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next as the characters go about their daily lives, unaware of the devastation barreling toward them. 

    Georgia stood on the brink of her hopes and dreams, the eternal optimist who joyfully embraced the milestones of young adulthood: love, marriage, and career. The loyal friend, Olive, who takes on a protective role, remaining devoted, despite not always understanding the choices made. Toby, often misunderstood and struggling with even the smallest social interactions, navigated the tumultuous waters of life, experiencing fluctuating periods of isolation and anger. 

 I became so engrossed in the story that I finished Deadly Route in under 4 hours; I couldn't put it down! I felt as if I was part of the unfolding scenes, seeing through the characters’ eyes and weighing their reactions and responses. At the end of this poignant book, we discover the true story that inspired the novel: the callous murder of Theresa Yvonne “Terry” Brickey Brantley, a beloved local who tragically lost her life at the age of 24. 

 The authors' passion for justice is evidenced by the attention to detail that characterizes the Say My Name Series. The authors and hosts of the Sugar-Coated Murder podcast also share an uplifting chocolate cake recipe that will impress. As warmer weather approaches, I highly recommend bringing "Deadly Route" to the beach, pool, or patio chair. It is a guaranteed winner that you will want to discuss with friends and family. Add this one to your murder shelf.

PPst! I featured their 1st book, Click, Click, Click- Ep 77-79! 

BOOK REVIEW: INCENDIARY: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, & the Investion of Criminal Profiling by Michael Cannell 1/26

  

BUY MICHAEL CANNELL'S BOOK- Incendiary ON AMAZON!

&

MICHAEL CANNEL'S BOOK/INFORMATION SITE

Be sure to listen to the Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast's trilogy on this amazing book, Ep 153, 154, & 155!

If you have a passion for history and true crime, revel in serial killer documentaries, and hold a fascination for the FBI's Behavior Analysis Unit, then this book is an absolute must-read! My long-standing curiosity about the Mad Bomber case led me to Michael Cannell's captivating narrative, and it answered all my questions in the most satisfying way. The research in this work flows effortlessly, painting each paragraph with vivid details that engage and enthrall the reader.

Every individual featured in the book is portrayed with depth, drawing us into their experiences as the story unfolds. With a non-linear structure, the narrative centers on the bombings while elegantly weaving in critical themes, including mental health and schizophrenia in the 1950s, the complex mindset of a psychiatrist striving to comprehend the criminal mind, the daunting responsibilities of bomb squad detectives, and the intricate relationship between law enforcement and the press. These threads come together to form a rich tapestry of storytelling that enchants and captivates. As the host of the Murder Shelf Book Club podcast, which highlights outstanding true crime literature, I wholeheartedly recommend "Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling." This book isn't just a read; it's an experience that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.

Book Review- RIDERS ON THE STORM BY SHERRI KUKLA

Sherri Kukla's captivating debut in the world of true crime should undeniably pave the way for more. She meticulously delves into a haunting case that has lingered in the shadows for 75 years, bringing to life the chilling tale of Billy Cook, the “cockeyed killer,” whose reign of terror gripped the nation in 1951. The story opens with a poignant glimpse into the life of a young boy faced with heartbreaking misfortune, setting the stage for a harrowing narrative.

As well-meaning individuals go about their daily routines, they are suddenly thrust into a whirlwind of panic and horror. A malevolent crime spree carves a path of devastation and fear, leaving communities paralyzed and on edge, their once-peaceful lives shattered. Kukla skillfully weaves the narrative from multiple perspectives—portraying the harrowing experiences of victims, resilient survivors, dedicated police officers, and heartbroken families caught in the nightmare. This vivid storytelling transports readers to an era devoid of modern conveniences: no televisions or cell phones issuing alerts issuing with alerts, no instant communication, and no CCTV cameras capturing every moment at intersections.

 Instead, law enforcement faced the daunting challenge of apprehending a merciless spree killer with limited resources before the US highway system existed! The question looms: what will recovery and justice truly entail in the aftermath of such a calamity? In a delightful exchange, Sherri Kukla was a guest on the Murder Shelf Book Club, a true crime book club podcast, for an enlightening conversation about her latest. Tune in to episode 149, and make sure to grab a copy of this remarkable true crime masterpiece! As a fascinating tidbit, this true story inspired The Doors’ iconic song "Riders on the Storm."

 

Riders on the Storm: Based on a True Story by Sherri Kukla

 

BUY RIDERS ON THE STORM- BASED ON A TRUE STORY AT AMAZON! (1/14/26), 

BARNES & NOBLE, Or buy on Sherri Kukla's site

Thelma, Carl, Pamela Sue, Ronnie, and Gary Mosser, victims of Bill Cook (1951),

 Find-a-Grave.com.

The Doors: Riders on the Storm original lyrics

Songwriters: James Morrison / John Densmore / Ray Manzarek / Robby Krieger

Riders on the Storm lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Wixen Music Publishing

Author Sherri Kukla 

Wanted Posters- William E. Cook "Cockeyed Billy", Life Magazine 1951

Arrest of William E. Cook, Life Magazine, 1951.

Harvey Talks Prison- YouTube.com, 2023.

-SOURCES-

Book Ignites Interest in Imperial County Manhunt, The Desert Review, Nov. 18, 2025.

Ben Cosgrove, "I'm gonna live by the gun and roam': Portrait of an American Spree Killer, Time.com, April 14, 2014.

Carl Mosser, Find-a-Grave.com, Jan. 2025.

Dustin Lattimer, Brooklyn Norris, History of the Spree Killer from Joplin, Missouri, WLNS.com, Oct 25, 2022.

Hard Luck: The Billy Cook Story, Murphysburg.org, May 2022.

Mark Safarik & Katherine Ramsland, Spree Killers: Practical Classifications for Law Enforcement and Criminology, CRC Press, Oct. 18, 2019.

Sherri Kukla, Riders on the Storm, S&S Publishing, Jan. 14, 2026.

Ep 146: Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter by Troy Hillman

 CHASING DOWN THE ZOMBIE HUNTER

                       By Troy A. Hillman

Buy Chasing Down the  Zombie Hunter on Amazon!

Troy Hillman- Then and Now!

**Locations where the Murders Occurred**

Phoenix Canal System 

Bike Path near the canal at dusk

Angela's purple mountain bike - it was never found.

Angela- Crime Scene; retrieving the head found in the canal.

Melanie Bernas Crime Scene: Blood trail to the canal.

Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas were victims of the serial killer

Angela Brosso's head is located

Melanie Bernas found dead

Melanie was found wearing a turquoise bodysuit, several sizes too small.

Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas murders are linked!

Reward Poster for information about the Canal murders.

(Garett Mitchell, The Republic.com)

25 Years Later Article on the Murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas by Ed Montini.

Dr Colleen Fitzpatrick, Forensic Genealogist, founder of Indentifinders. 

January 2015- Cold Case Arrest!

Bryan with his father and mother. 

Bryan Patrick Miller, age 16

     

Martha 'Ellen' Miller and son, Bryan Patrick Miller

'The Plan' was written by Bryan Patrick Miller; his mother, Ellen Miller, turned it in to the police as his release from juvenile incarceration was approaching.

Mug Shot Bryan Patrick Miller 2025 (CSBNews.com)

Suvivor -Celeste Bentley, stabbed by Bryan Patrick Miller age 16, in Paradise Valley Mall (CBSNews.com)

Washington State Victim of Stabbing, Melissa Ruiz-Ramirez; Bryan Miller was acquitted.

The Zombie Hunter Car (CBSNews.com)

Brandy Myers; Her missing poster

Linking Canal Murders to missing Brandy Myers?

CHART: SEXUAL MURDER

Richard Walter & Robert Keppel- Types of Sexual Murder

State transition (Psychological, Physical, and Sexual) diagram for type of abuse experienced, typology, and crime scene behavior (Standardized residuals indicated by line thickness. -Morono, Reid, Yaksic & Keatley)

Deputy Prosecutor Suzanne Cohen tried the Goudeau case- The Baseline Killer

(She will be the judge in Arizona vs Miller)

EVIDENCE - MURDERS OF BROSSO AND BERNAS

Turquoise Body Suit

Chili's mug used to collect the suspect's DNA

Invisible Woman Doll - with removable organs

Violent Comics

Hoarder House of Bryan Patrick Miller, Zombie Hunter 

(courtesy of Troy Hillman)

Close-up of the frozen head cartoon, on Bryan Patrick Miller's refrigerator door, hidden in plain sight- Proof to Jill that he DOES remember the murders!

(Courtesy of Troy Hillman)

Miller: Sentenced to death.

SOURCES

Angela Marie Brosso, FindaGrave.com, June 2023.

An Introduction to Familial DNA Searching for State, Local & Tribal Justice Agencies, Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative; April 2012.

Briana Whitney, Psychologist testified Bryan Patrick Miller's dissociative amnesia could be related to Canal Murders, ArizonaFamily.com, Jan. 9, 2023.

Briana Whitney, Morgan Loew, Victim describes 1989 'Zombie Hunter' stabbing attack during trial, AZ Family.com, Oct. 11, 2022.

Bryan Patrick Miller Sentenced to Death, Maricopa County Attorney's Office, June 3, 2023.

Ed Pilkington, Vidocq Society- the murder club, The Guardian, March 3, 2011.

EJ Montini, Brosso's Mom wants us to know about murdered daughter, AZCentral.com, Jan. 14, 2025.

Heather Walker, Brie and Cranberry bites/Loaf, AZFamilyDigitalStaffNews.com, Dec. 15, 2023.

John Hook's Original Melanie Bernas Murder Report, Fox 10 Phoenix, 2015.

John Luciew, 'Justice' for central Pa. woman beheaded in Phoenix as 'zombie hunter' killer found guilty 30 years later, PennLive.com, April 11, 2023. 

Lane Sainty, Canal killings: Expert cites Bryan Miller's 'immaatue' brain, impaired judgment in murders, AZCentral.com, April 27, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Canal Killings' Part 1: Brutal slayings end the lives of 2 young Phoenix women, AZCentral.com, August 28, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Canal Killings Part 2: After 20 years, Bryan Patrick Miller emerges as a suspect, AZCeentral, August 29, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Canal Killings' Part 3: DNA breakthrough helps Phoenix police catcha killer in decades old case, AZCentral.com, August 30, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Canal Killings' Part 4: Bryan Miller stands trial for 30-year old Phoenix slayings, AZCentral.com, August 31, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Canal Killings' Part 5:Miller gets ultimate punishment; families, friends mourn Phoenix victims, AZCentral.com, Sept 1, 2023.

Lane Sainty, 'Immeasurable pain', Family of canal killings victims describe impact as judge mulls penalty, Arizona Republic, April 18, 2023.

Melanie Beth Bernas, Find a Grave, 1993.

Morgan Canty, The Case Against the Zombie Hunter, 48 Hours, CBSNews.com, August 17, 2025. 

Morgan Loew, Cody Lillich & AZFamily News Staff, 'Zombie Hunter' Bryan Patrick Miller found guilty in Phoenix Canal murders, AZFamily News.com,

April 11, 2023.

Naman Shrestha, Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas Murders: When is Bryan Patrick Miller Now? Moviedelic.com, August 16, 2025. 

Nicole Garcia, A Look at the evidence of the Canal Killer Trial as Bryan Patrick Miller is on death row, Fox10.com, August 28, 2023.

Olivia Land, Man dubbed 'Zombie Hunter' sentenced to death for 1990s murders, New York Post, June 8, 2024.

Paul LaRosa, Convicted killer known as the Zombie Hunter, says life on death row is cold, food is 'not great', CBSNews.com, July 13, 2024.

Peter VanSant, Arizona's Zombie Hunter's unique murder defense: His mother created a monster, CSBNews.com, Aug 17, 2025.

Peter VanSant, "Unmaking the Zombie Hunter", 48 Hours, Oct 21, 2023.

Shivangi Sinha, Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas murder: How did they die? Who Killed them, TheCinemaholic.com, Oct 21, 2023.

The True Crime Story of Bryan Patrick Miller- AKA Zombie Hunter, Cold Cases Matter, 2025. 

Troy A. Hillman, Chasing Down the Zombie Hunter, Pegasus Crime, Oct. 5, 2025.

Vidocq Society, 2025.