Customer Reviews

Evil Harvest: The True Story of Cult Murder in the American Heartland

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I clearly remember when the Rulo murders were uncovered, as I live less then 100 miles from the scene of the crime. I read this book several times and I have to say Colvin seems to have done a pretty good job of getting out and beating the bush to get his sources and research. He talked to a slew of people involved in the case.

The big problem with Colvin is that he seems to downplay the Christian Identity theme to some extent. He talks in great depth about James Wickstrom and the Posse Comitatus, but we don't get as much information on the underlying theme to these activities, which is Christian Identity, a theology that advocates that Jews are the spawn of Satan and that Blacks and other Non-White races are subhuman. The reason Ryan was able to exert his influence was due to Identity.

I can let the reader know that Michael Ryan is still on Death Row here in Nebraska. In fact, he recently lost yet another appeal, but he has several avenues left to him. Dennis Ryan was released from prison when he had his sentence reduced to 2nd degree murder. Several years ago, our state Supreme Court made a ruling that resulted in the release of dozens of convicts that had been convicted of 2nd degree murder. Go figure. Andreas and Haverkamp were also released from prison recently. Michael Ryan, the last I heard, is attempting to rewrite the Bible along the lines of Christian Identity.

A scary book in that it shows how evil some people can be.

The book claims to be a "True Story" when in fact it should read, Based on a true story. Being a direct relative of a good portion of the people involved I have to say it was dissappointing to read.

I felt Colvin seemed to miss key parts of the story. Local law enforcement and family services as well as teachers ignored repeated reports from my family about child abuse, drug use, and other numerous activities on the farm. This went on for over a year. The book is very detailed with some of the sickest of things you'll ever read. I fell if he could included such great details like those, the least he could do is included how several people within the surrounding communiteis tried to stop it before it ever got so sick.

Colvin mentions how there were whispers of gunfire on the property. These were not whispers they were actual reports made to the Richardson County Sherriff Department and Family Servises that were not acted upon. There were several names Colvin was not allowed to mention or had to change to protect the innocent, I feel that a name with only a single letter different is not creative enough for a seasoned writter.

Trial coverage would have been good to add.

Evil harvest was so well written. The contents of the book and the impeccable skills of this author really brings this story to life. Excellent true crime that doesn't focus to much on the trial but on whaat the readers want to hear ie: about the characters. I love the way he gives you an understanding into the minds of all the characters. Reaaly makes you understand what lead to the ultimate down fall of average good folks. I will look forward to reading more by this fine author.

I wonder why anyone would buy a book like this, or why anyone would want to write the story. It is shocking and stomach wrenching in it's detail and I think more true about Michael Ryan than the writer even knows. I was afraid of Mike almost 40 years ago when I dated his sister. He was cruel and had an explosive temper then too. I am sorry for everyone, including his wife and son, who he lead off into his dark world. It is too bad it came to this and I am amazed to find he is still on death row in Nebraska. I hope he never gets out, it would be a frightening thing to know he was not behind bars.

Rod Colvin gets into the mind of Michael and shows us how powerful ones influence can be and how destructive.he has proven to be a fine true crime writer. I will look forward to seeing more of his books in print. This is a must read for true crime reading fans.

This is one of those books that probes the dark side of humanity. When I read a true-crime story, I'm looking for answers -- Rod Colvin gives them here in a compelling, harrowing narrative.