Back in the summer of 2006, one murder case shook the city of Omaha like no other that year- - the disappearance of 19-year-old University of Nebraska at Omaha student Jessica O'Grady. Jessica was gone. Nobody could find her. Yet her car turned up days later. But where did her killer hide her? The community outpouring toward finding Jessica was something I would never forget. I was a journalist at the Omaha newspaper at the time. The … [Read more...]
Ferak’s new book BODY OF PROOF Examines Underworld of CSI fraud
I spent nine years as a journalist in Omaha, Nebraska from 2003 through 2012 at the state's largest news organization. There were three things that stood out about Nebraska. Aside from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln campus, the rest of Nebraska is about as far right-leaning and conservative as any state in the country. I'm not saying that is good or bad, it's just the way Nebraskans are. Secondly, Nebraska Cornhuskers football means … [Read more...]
John Ferak Reflects on DIXIE and Looks Forward to the Launch of New True Crime
Friends and readers: I can't thank you enough for showing a sincere interest in reading books including my most recent, #truecrime feature length book, DIXIE'S LAST STAND. https://wildbluepress.com/dixies-last-stand-john-ferak-true-crime/ Your dedication, enthusiasm and unwaivering support fuels my motivation to devote untold number of hours during my weeknights and on weekends doing the research, writing, follow-up interviews … [Read more...]
Part 1: Author Ferak explains newly obtained crime photos from DIXIE’s murder case
Iowa bedroom of Dixie and Scott Shanahan, late October 2003. CAPTION: Author's perspective: Study this photo carefully. What do you see? On the wall, there's a portrait of Jesus Christ. The drapes are drawn shut. Two lamps on each side of the bed. A blue pillow. But did you notice the lump in the bed? This photo was taken in late October 2003 by crime lab specialists for the state of Iowa. When they walked into this bedroom, they were overcome … [Read more...]
Fallen CSI commander who went to prison grants interview for Ferak’s sequel to BLOODY LIES
Every new book I write is a new adventure. Occasionally, my persistence pays off and the true-crimes readers of all shapes and sizes can benefit from the depth of my research and fresh perspectives of the people I can interview. Every author is different, but I tend to take the advice of veteran true-crime writer Gary C. King. I'll often send a formal type-written letter through the mail to the person I would like to interview. Some respond … [Read more...]
Town of DIXIE’S famous murder trial brings Author Ferak to Iowa in August
If you've read, DIXIE'S LAST STAND: Was it Murder or Self-Defense? wildbluepress.com/dixie you're familiar with Harlan, Iowa. It's the county seat of Shelby County, Iowa. It's the home of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. It's the location of the jail that once held domestic violence abuser Scott Shanahan. It's the same jail that later held his wife, Dixie, once she was charged with killing Scott and hiding his body in their home for more … [Read more...]
May 2: True Crime Uncensored talks DIXIE’S LAST STAND with John Ferak
For four months, DIXIE'S LAST STAND: Was It Murder or Self-Defense? has held steady as an #Amazon #Kindle best seller, and come Saturday, May 2, America's most popular true-crime talk show, will interview the #WildBluePress author. wildbluepress.com/dixie Now, author John Ferak appears on True Crime Uncensored,which is hosted by the legendary Burl Barer, the distinguished author of America's all-time funniest true-crime book, MAN … [Read more...]
Author Ferak’s Wisconsin Fox Cities Book Festival Event Draws Praise, Questions
KIMBERLY, WISCONSIN -- An engaged and energized audience with lots of questions showed up Tuesday night at the public library in Kimberly for my presentation on BLOODY LIES: A CSI SCANDAL IN THE HEARTLAND (Kent State University Press). My hour-long talk outlined key moments in the Nebraska farmhouse killings that were committed by two Wisconsin teenagers. We went another 30 minutes with questions. It's been nearly 10 months … [Read more...]
Author Ferak invited to Wisconsin’s Fox Cities Book Festival, April 20-26
I'm pleased to say that November's book presentation on BLOODY LIES in #Appleton, #Wisconsin at the downtown public library certainly is leading to bigger and better things in 2015. Shortly afterward, I was invited to give one of the presentations during the week-long Fox Cities Book Festival right here in the Fox Valley where I happen to live. During the third week of April, I am slated to give my presentation at the Kimberly (WIS) … [Read more...]
Iowa parole board to review DIXIE’s case; make your voice heard!
Since January #truecrime readers have grown quite familiar with my first #truecrime book published via #WildBluePress. Meanwhile, business at the Iowa parole board continues. DIXIE'S LAST STAND chronicles the plight of #prisoner Dixie Shanahan. It's a book about #domesticviolence, fateful choices and rigid sentencing guidelines. So far, #DIXIE has proven to be a conversation starter. wildbluepress.com/Dixie Here's a random sampling of … [Read more...]
