Evil at Lake Seminole

The Shocking True Story Surrounding the Disappearance of Mike Williams

By: Steven B. Epstein

Narrated by: Steven B. Epstein

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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.

A must read!! (Or listen)

As my first experience with Audible, I must say this was an extremely positive experience! This is a concisely written story of how evil does indeed, not only "get a foot in the door", but also proceeds to destroy when people allow it to. It is so well written and narrated I had a hard time putting it down. THANK YOU, Mr. Epstein (and family supporters), for all your hard work in bringing this to light! You are truly gifted and dedicated to be able to convey such a story.
I am very grateful that the conclusion was of a more just nature and my heart goes out to the Williams family for all the pain they have endured for so many years. May God bless you!

Gripping

This book was wonderfully written. It is filled with twist, turns, despair, and eventually justice.

When is the next book??

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

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.

Engrossing and In Depth

Lots of great details and information. In places it seemed repetitive but the narrative never got bogged down for long. I will definitely read more by this author. I hope he continues to do his own narration because he reads with honest conviction without sounding too strident.