Preview
  • Evil at Lake Seminole

  • The Shocking True Story Surrounding the Disappearance of Mike Williams
  • By: Steven B. Epstein
  • Narrated by: Steven B. Epstein
  • Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (102 ratings)

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Evil at Lake Seminole

By: Steven B. Epstein
Narrated by: Steven B. Epstein
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Publisher's summary

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 work week. 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.

©2020 Steven B. Epstein (P)2020 Steven B. Epstein
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What listeners say about Evil at Lake Seminole

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When is the next book??

Unforgettable, riveting, and complete. Could not put it down. Narrator great. I am FSU alumni. Final word: WOW!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very informative

I have followed this story since it aired on the show disappeared many years ago. It was so obvious who the killers were. This heartbreaking story tells the 18 year long fight for justice. The details are fascinating but very sad. It was told very well and I would definitely recommend it. I am very happy that warrior Mom Cheryl Williams and her son Nick finally received justice.

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Outstanding Read!

Even though this was a real life crime, Steven B. Epstein did a wonderful job of fleshing the story out and making it understandable. I enjoyed listening to this book, especially on my long drives, but I did finish it at home. Epstein also does an excellent job of narrating this book, I'm so glad he did. Please read this book, it involves a lot of drama, lies, attempts at intimidation and cheaters!!

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Entertaining book, well written

Warning spoilers....I also read Steven Epstein’s book, Murder on Birchleaf drive. Both books were well written and talked about the lives of the people involved. Love this book and the ending because justice was served

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Another fantastic read by Steven B. Epstein.

After finishing Epstein's, Murder on Birchleaf Drive, I was excited to see he had a second book and jumped on it. I devoured this one over the course of two days and despite being vaguely familiar with the case, was astonished at what really happened. I appreciate Epstein's balance of observer, researcher and participant. I was especially impressed by the narration. I tend to be a little nervous when an author has chosen to do their own narration but Epstein delivers beautifully.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Detailed true crime account

I'm a big fan of true crime, especially when the emphasis is on psychological factors. This is a well-written, detailed account of a crime that does not particularly focus on the psychological motivations of the main players. I have to admit that I didn't like any of the characters here very much, including Cheryl, whom the author seems to idealize. Overall rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

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Gripping Story!

Written so masterfully. Author so detailed it's like you are there looking for Mike and struggling to help along with his family. Incredible story of how the power of faith hope and love win over evil.

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Worth the effort

A well written and informative book. Stephen. B. Epstein is a very good writer but unfortunately not a very good narrator. It was hard work listening to this book but the book itself kept me going where I would normally have pulled the plug. Stephen, let the professionals narrate it.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Second book just as good as the first

Epstein proves he’s not a flash in the pan. His first book was based on a case with which he had experience; his second, he found on a podcast. But he delved right in researching all the details and it shows. He also narrates and he does a great job, becoming looser as he progresses. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning. This was a story I had never heard about. Thanks, Epstein, for bringing it to the attention of us true crime fans!

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Couldn't put it down...

True Crime is one of those odd genres, attempted by many but mastered by few. There is a nearly ubiquitous tendency to rely on gorey details and shocking revelations while skimping on quality writing and research. Fortunately for readers, Mr. Epstein seems to have the knack for writing a gripping but thoughtful book that does justice to the people described therein.

This book is Epstein's second, and at the beginning of the book, he explains his choice to wait on writing until he found a crime that inspired his investigation and writing, rather than jumping on the easiest or most accessible story. Aside from the basics -- Mike Williams, a young husband and father disappeared under very strange circumstances during a duck hunting excursion -- I wasn't at all sure what to expect. But the author's own passion for telling this story pulled me in.

The events unfold at an engaging pace, but not too quickly to develop and describe the "characters" (if that is the right word for real people in a story). Carefully selected details about the seasons, weather, geography, fauna, and flora all contribute to the feel of the environment where the events of the book took place. I admit to still having a slight case of the creeps from the description of the Hydrilla beneath the surface of Lake Seminole. As it turns out, the thick, grasping underwater plants are a pretty apt metaphor for the subtext and secrets surrounding the death of Mike Williams.

Reading this book, it is clear that the author has a real love of writing and true compassion for the victim and the many people whose lives he touched. The book will definitely keep your interest and keep you listening well into the night; but the respect and care with which it is written will remind the reader of the real people who loved, lost, and fought for the truth of this case.

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3 people found this helpful