The Author of, "The Sketcher" is Julie Riedel, the woman who sketched the first age-progression forensic drawings in the history of criminology. Ten people were murdered by the BTK serial killer, Dennis Rader, in and around Wichita, Kansas from 1974-1991...
To sketch the aging killer, Julie studies the cold-case files of the 31-year-long investigation under the direction of the Wichita Police Department. As she attempts to put a face to the unidentified killer, she discovers parallels between the atrocities committed by BTK and the events in her own life. The case triggers memories of her abusive childhood and troubled marriages. She suffers horrific nightmares, fearing retribution from the BTK strangler.
As a struggling single mother with three children, Julie finds the courage to break the cycle of abuse in her life. She resolves to honor the victims of BTK through her art. Her nightmares end when BTK, Dennis Rader, is captured and imprisoned. She looks back at her accomplishments and the lessons she's learned, and continues to search for explanations regarding human cruelty.
Julie Riedel was born in Wichita, Kansas. Destined to be an artist, earning a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. She has won several graphic design awards. She was featured in Psychology Today, "The Artist and the Serial Killer" by Katherine Ramsland, PhD. Julie still does graphic design work and is currently an art teacher at Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas. She is the proud mother of 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
The book is in 12,000 stores across the world and these are just a few!
Featured in an episode of the Silent Witness Podcast
A True Crime Finalist in the
2024 International Book Awards
Featured in a Hays Post news article
"This book brought back creepy, terrifying memories for me about Btk. I recall watching the news when he resurfaced and the feelings of fear and terror that he was back. I couldn't read this book at night because I didn't want those memories to creep into my subconscious and give me nightmares. To anyone in Kansas during those years, I'm sure you can relate to fear he brought to households throughout the state. To those not from Kansas, this book will give you a glimpse of a very dark and dangerous time in our history."
By Amazon Customer
"I couldn’t put the book down. I don’t remember hearing about The BTK killer but very scary to read this was happening only a few hours from where I live. I connected with the author it brought tears to my eyes to know there is someone else who went thru similar things as I did. Single/protective mom, child/domestic abuse, feeling unworthy. It is worth the read. Read the book!"
by Trish Bro
This book grabbed me instantly and I could not put it down. I’ve read it twice now and only moved to Kansas 6 years ago so I knew nothing about this serial killer. Prayers go out to the victims and bless the author for finding the courage to write this book. This book was filled with so many elements and it brought out numerous emotions for me. I am beyond speechless at all the events that occurred and my heart goes out to the all the families who were involved. It’s a phenomenal read."
by Anonymous
