Emory really is a disturbed character with an obsession with Jeffrey Dahmer and mental health issues.

I feel a lot of his character is to do with his closeted sexuality and having to deal with his mother who is dying from AIDS.

Tyler was a refreshing change; someone who sees the good in others and who is comfortable in his own skin.

An interesting novel and one that’s left me feeling a little perplexed

It’s the summer of 1991 and serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer has been arrested. His monstrous crimes inspire dread around the globe. But not so much for Emory Hughes, a closeted young man in Chicago who sees in the cannibal killer a kindred spirit, someone who fights against the dark side of his own nature, as Emory does. He reaches out to Dahmer in prison via letters.

The letters become an escape—from Emory’s mother dying from AIDS, from his uncaring sister, from his dead-end job in downtown Chicago, but most of all, from his own self-hatred.

Dahmer isn’t Emory’s only lifeline as he begins a tentative relationship with Tyler Kay. He falls for him and, just like Dahmer, wonders how he can get Tyler to stay. Emory’s desire for love leads him to confront his own grip on reality. For Tyler, the threat of the mild-mannered Emory seems inconsequential, but not taking the threat seriously is at his own peril.

Can Emory discover the roots of his own madness before it’s too late and he finds himself following in the footsteps of the man from Milwaukee?

A unique horror story about well known Jeffrey Dahmer, and a fictional man who becomes obsessed.

The story is set in the eighties where we first see Jeffrey Dahmer hit the headlines with the gruesome and heinous murders of gay men. We meet the story's protagonist, Emory Hughes, a down on his luck lonely figure who is reluctantly gay and who feels he has a connection to Dahmer. Emory cares for his sick mother who is dying from AIDS and lives with his feckless younger sister, Mary Helen.

We meet Tyler, who starts working in the same job as Emory and they strike up a friendship. Unlike Emory, Tyler is openly and confidently gay and very much the complete opposite to him. Tyler tries to get closer to Emory but he begins to have his doubts...

This is in reality a very deeply layered book and the author has written very complex characters in both Tyler and Emory. Although Emory is repulsive at times you can't quite help feeling for him and I found his story exceptionally sad. Tyler is also quite a complicated figure and his reactions to events were surprising and also quite moving.

The story itself is dark and although it is a thriller, I found it not only to be tense but also very emotive. An enjoyable read but a sad one too.

It’s the summer of 1991 and serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer has been arrested. His monstrous crimes inspire dread around the globe. But not so much for Emory Hughes, a closeted young man in Chicago who sees in the cannibal killer a kindred spirit, someone who fights against the dark side of his own nature, as Emory does. He reaches out to Dahmer in prison via letters.
A very tense novel. Interesting and intelligent. Would recommended for anyone who likes crime stories. Excellent.

Just ok, nothing incredible to write home about.
And it just felt like it didn't hit as hard as it should have.

A book by Rick R. Reed when he’s in thriller/horror mode is not for the faint of heart. What’s it say about this reader that those are the books that I enjoy the most by him? It’s probably best to not dwell on that – especially when I admit that he has a knack, especially in the case of The Man from Milwaukee, to make me sympathize with the “bad” guy in the story. *sigh*

To be fair, it wasn’t hard to sympathize with Emory, especially in the beginning of The Man from Milwaukee. He didn’t have it easy at home and he had little or no social life and his sister gave him no support at all, aside from sticking around their apartment until he got home from work. He was sad and lonely, so when Tyler came into his life – even as just a friend, it should have turned things around for him. Just a little bit anyway.

Tyler saw something in Emory that it seemed no one else did. He had a niggling fear that things weren’t quite right with Emory, but he couldn’t resist trying to reach out to him. Things inevitably took a drastic turn and Tyler soon learned that he should have trusted his gut before it was too late.

I’m not sure what Rick R. Reed has in store for horror/thriller fans next, but I can’t wait to find out. 😉

The Man from Milwaukee was a pleasant surprise. I'm familiar with Reed's romances, and this was my first horror story by him.

The suspense was top notch, and I got chills during some parts of the story. Reed perfectly weaves the saga of Dahmer's arrest and trial with Emory's story.

One thing I love about Reed's writing is his ability to completely transport the reader to another decade. In the case of The Man from Milwaukee, the 90s are perfectly represented, from the trends to the attitudes to the setting. Also, I appreciate his descriptions of Chicago. I've never been but I can almost see myself in the places he describes.

Emory is tortured and the people around him are oblivious to his inner turmoil. until it's almost too late. Tyler, while naive and privileged, is one strong mofo.

The ending was the most surprising of all. There is so much I could say about it that would give away the best parts of the story worth reading for yourself. If you're looking for something different, definitely pick up The Man from Milwaukee.

***ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.***

I couldn't finish this one. Every now and again, a writer's style keeps me from enjoying the book. While it is obvious Mr. Reed did his research and the character development is interesting, there was something about the style that threw the book off for me.

WARNING: This book contains sexually explicit content, which may only be suitable for mature readers, deceased family members, kidnapping, violence/gore, attempted murder, and death of a parent.

Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal or the Milwaukee Monster, was an American serial killer and sex offender who committed the murder and dismemberment of 17 men and boys from 1978 to 1991. Many of his later murders involved necrophilia, cannibalism, and the permanent preservation of body parts... " He wanted him, just like all the others, to stay with him".

I wont even sugar coat it, I LOVE reading about Serial Killers. When I read the synopsis for "The Man from Milwaukee" I couldnt wait to smash the request button on Netgalley. Dahmer has been one of my long time favorites and I was eager to see just how Reed would pull this off. Mr. Reed...You Killed it, pun completely intended.

The writing was exquisite and I was constantly questioning what was real and what wasnt. As I read my emotions were all over the place, one minute I was full of sorrow and the next I was utterly disgusted by what was transpiring in the words I was reading. The story is of a closeted gay man who finds "Himself" through his interactions with Dahmer. The obvious problem with this is no sane man would take relationship advice from a man who killed and consumed his lovers, would he? You are going to have to read "The Man from Milwaukee" to find out.

I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“I know he’ll come back. And when he does, you can be ready to make sure he doesn’t wander off into the fog again.”-Emory Hughes.

This is a disturbing and squirmish read for so many reasons. The dynamics of the characters and the somberly paced storyline are a few points worth mentioning, but ‘The Man from Milwaukee’ is so much more. Emphatically, it’s plot focuses on Emory Hughes , a strange and desolate Chicagoan who develops a crush on Jeffrey Dahmer during his apprehension and trial in 1991. Emory tries to maintain minimal stability by taking care of his bedridden mother and working a dead end job, but as we quickly learn, he becomes more isolated and deranged, and that’s where the story really gets interesting.

The seasonal changes occurring throughout the novel also accelerate Emory’s presence, and even though it’s summer right now, the entire book has a consistent chill to it.. AIDS, loneliness, and murder are some of the subjects explored throughout the pages, and although some of the chapters were slightly predictable, the ending was unexpected and left me feeling sorry for those who struggle in the mental health community. This period piece is also well researched with Dahmer’s portrayal, and Reed really did his homework here.


NetGalley provided an ARC for my honest feedback regarding this novel, but I gladly would’ve paid for it.

I requested this novel because I’ve always had in interest in serial killers and especial Jeffrey Dahmer because the story unfolded before my eyes, although I’m not sure I want to admit that after reading this. Set in the early 1990s, Emory Hughes is also interested in Jeffrey Dahmer but not so much because of his unfathomable crimes, rather because he feels an empathy for him. Emory’s life is difficult. His mother is dying of AIDS, his sister dropped out of school supposedly to assist with her care but doesn’t, his job is unfulfilling and there’s no way he’s prepared to admit he might be gay. He starts corresponding with Dahmer because he feels he understands Dahmer’s loneliness.

Things start to feel different for him when Tyler Kay is employed by the company and Emory is assigned as his mentor. Tyler seems to like him and immediately recognises that he’s gay even if he won’t accept it. Even with Emory’s lukewarm response to him, Tyler still keeps trying to connect with him.

The writing is beautiful and expressive leading me to feel incredibly sad for Emory, but at the same time a little repulsed. The descriptions make the smells and sights almost tangible. Emory’s mother wasting away reminded me of how much the face of AIDS has changed in thirty years but it was also a clever juxtaposition with Emory so uncomfortable with his sexuality.

What I engaged me most about this novel was never knowing what was real and what wasn’t. Emory colours his relationships with his own twisted vision that each time there’s an indication that things are not quite as they seem, it’s unclear what actually is as it seems. This is a beautifully written, riveting, suspense-filled drama and highly recommended if psychological thrillers are your thing.

Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.

Who is Rick Reed? This book was amazing!
If you're into thrillers/crime with a touch of horror. This is for you!
This story takes place in Chicago (Chicago native here!) in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Emory Hughes is a introverted loner who, along with his sister, is caring for his dying mother. Emory, who is unsure of his own sexuality is oddly drawn to Jeffery Dahmer who has just made headlines for his brutal crimes. Emory feels a connection to Dahmer and begins to correspond with him via letters. He feels as though he's the only one who truly understands "Jeff".
Emory soon meets Tyler, who isn't very understanding of Dahmer and his crimes, but feels drawn to Emory!
Tyler opens up a new realm to Emory, who seems to start feeling comfortable with the idea of companionship. But at what cost and to who?

😱The depths of loneliness: scary, twisted, mesmerizing😳

5🌟stars
I love all genres of Rick R. Reed's writing and this psychological thriller was a real page-turner. The story's set in the early 1990's and centered on a traumatized, closeted and lonely young Chicagoan who is obsessed by serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the eponymous Man from Milwaukee, who has just hit the headlines for his gruesome killings. Emory, in all his loneliness and isolation, sees Dahmer as a tragic figure who can understand his own urgent need for love and a relationship.

Tyler, the young gay man he befriends, and his younger sister Mary Helen are eventually drawn into Emory's crazed obsession. It's fascinating stuff and I could not stop reading about his disconnect from reality.

I really appreciated the way the story ends and came away from the last page with a glimmer of hope. Reed seems to find a way to include a twist or a chance occurrence that turns the tables and keeps the plot unpredictable. I love that uncertainty!😊

Thanks to publisher NineStar Press and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

This book was amazing! I read it in 1 day as I couldn't put it down. I loved the whole story and found Emory to be a really creepy character yet still slightly rooted for him as he was so lonely. I enjoyed the twists and really liked all of the characters. It was gritty, creepy and reminded me alot of John Fowles- 'The Collector'. Brilliant book!

The book opens in 1991, Chicago and is mainly centered on the life and times of Emory Hughes, a closeted gay man living in the north side with his mother and deadbeat sister, Mary Helen. Emory's mother is dying of AIDS contracted from a tainted blood transfusion. She's near death at the beginning of the book, lost in dementia and tearing her tiny family apart. Mary Helen has emotionally sealed herself off from her mother, barely caring for her at all while Emory works full-time to support all of them. He comes home at night and begins the arduous task of cleaning his emaciated mother and trying to feed her. It's heartbreaking and lonely work, but he can't let his dear mother down.

Emory sees his homosexual attraction as a deviance, and his sexual encounters have all been anonymous, and often a bit brutal. They are something he wants to hide from the world, and would wish to be without, if he could. It's a personal failure to Emory when need brings him back to the adult bookstore peep shows for strangers to manhandle. It is around this time that the horrors of serial killer Jefferey Dahmer are revealed, his sensational case of murdering, dismembering and cannibalizing many gay men being headline news for days on end. Emory senses that Dahmer did not relish killing men, but was compelled by forces he couldn't contain, much like Emory's own internal conflict with his physical attractions and needs.

Tyler Kay is a fresh college grad from the north suburbs taking a job at the insurance analysis company where Emory has worked for the past 8 years. Emory is tasked with showing Tyler the ropes, and Tyler, who is out and proud, senses a kinship with Emory, a fellow who likes fellows, but mostly he senses Emory's deep loneliness, and desire to connect with another human. He invites Emory out and makes no secret of his sexuality or attraction, and doesn't let himself get bothered when Emory staunchly denies his own sexuality. He's known many closet cases. Still, when Emory's mom finally dies, Tyler's attention lights something up inside Emory--and a tenuous friendship builds. This feels momentous, and caught in both grief and the novel sensation of being <em>seen</em> as a man, Emory begins a magnanimous effort to write letters to Jeffrey Dahmer in prison. Through these letters, Emory is able to reveal his true feelings and desires. He's elated to receive letters in return that show a softer side of the 'Milwaukee Monster' one who encourages Emory to live his best life, and keep Tyler by his side.

Okay, to be clear, Emory is mentally ill. His lifelong loneliness has facilitated a delusional mindscape that shields and scares him by turns. Tyler is a wonderful friend, and he really wants to be a lover to Emory, but he gets scared off by Emory's fascination with Dahmer, especially after witnessing a psychotic break following what had been some tender intimacy between them. Tyler's retreat gives way to a whole new level of psychoses that trigger violence and self-flagellation. All the while the letters go out and new ones come back--with Emory missing time from his days and nights.

A random outing reconnects Tyler and Emory some months later, and Emory is in a prime state to ensure Tyler--whom he believes to be his soul mate--will stay with him forever. Emory has learned from studying Dahmer, who was obsessed with having a man stay--even if it was only in pieces.

I'm not going to go into more detail, but this story was really poignant and thrilling. The downward spiral of Emory's mental state was revealed progressively, and his desire to love and be loved was gut-wrenching. He's a man who has felt unloved and unlovable for many years, and his grief, his torment over his sexuality, and his loss of the only friend and lover he ever had when Tyler runs out on him, all become more than he can cope with. His sister, who has been selfish and self-serving to shield herself from the pain of their mother's disease and death, is barely able to maintain any relationship with Emory, but it is her intervention that ensures Emory doesn't make a complete psychotic break. We have hints of the brutal turns Emory has taken, and Tyler definitely suffers before the end. I was glad that the story continued into the future a few years to give closure to all the affected parties.

This story has some romantic elements, but it's not a romance. Tyler and Emory have a spark, but Emory's mental state is an impediment to true intimacy. I always love stories set in Chicago, and Reed's attention to detail--taking the Metra versus the L, describing the city neighborhoods, the vicious weather, and popular haunts of gay men in the 90s--is as superb as ever. Growing up in suburban Chicagoland, I remember the heated fascination over Dahmer's case during those brief years. I was a junior in HS when he was arrested, and a senior when he was sentenced. The gruesome spectacle in Milwaukee was routinely compared to the crimes of John Wayne Gacy, a near-Chicago suburban man who'd murdered dozens of Chicago-area men just two decades before--and our news media certainly pushed those connection stories. So I could really sense and relate to the history, as well as the emotions of this fictional thriller.

When one has such dark themes, it's easy to envision a canned resolution. The extended scenes were inspired and inspiring, demonstrating the power of forgiveness at relieving the guilt and grief of bad decisions. At it's core, this story is one of connection to humanity, and how people who are disconnected from humanity will make choices that temporarily assuage the pain their isolation engenders. These choices are usually not in their best interest, be they drugs, alcohol or violence, and Reed never left Emory to the winds of fate, or silenced his pain artificially. The ending, for that reason, was tender and loving even if there was no romance.

"Darkness had always been his friend."

This is a dark story, with a couple different (very different) Povs that make the story flow nicely.

Emory- is obsessed with Jeff Dahmer and writes letters to him. Emory is a lonely awkward guy with a troubled past.

Tyler- Is too kind for his own good. And wants to help Emory.

It's one of those stories you shouldn't enjoy reading, but yet you can't put it down either. It's not an easy story at all. But the relationship between Tyler and Emory is too interesting to put down and walk away.
I loved Reeds Writing style and enjoyed reading the letters from Jeff and Emory (I'd happily read more of them).

I'm glad I picked this one up.

I got the Arc for an honest review through NetGalley.

Rick R. Reed’s The Man from Milwaukee is different from everything I have ever read in terms of Horror and LGBTQIA+.
First, because the horror part dances around explicitness and indirectness, with a strong psychological factor in place. As per the LGBTQIA+ part, it is the first time I read a story in which homosexuality is handled 300% normally – as it should always be.
Although the story begins with the news of a serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer, being arrested, the whole plot goes around Emory Hughes, a young closeted man, and the way he feels instantly connected to Dahmer, beginning to correspond with him through letters.
Emory is a lonely guy, who struggles with his sexuality and with his personal problems – his mother is dying from AIDS, and his sister seems not to care about anything at all. He then sees in Dahmer a kind of a mentor, a friend, someone with whom he could be himself with no boundaries. One day he meets Tyler Kay, a new co-worker, and falls in love with him, even though he doesn’t want to admit it. From that moment on, Emory’s personal struggles start to come to the surface, and it is a matter of time until everything is exposed.
I particularly like this book, it is the kind of narrative that I really enjoy reading: raw, explicit, deep characters with psychological issues to be resolved, but this book has something else. I felt every smell, every shiver, I saw the colors, the dirt, I sensed the heat, the heavy and moist air.
The book is surprising because you truly believe the plot is heading somewhere, but it takes turns and leaves you speechless on the way.
Highly recommended, it is a book that is worth it!

I liked this book, it wasn’t at all what I was expecting but I liked the writing and the imagery. I felt like there were things lacking in this book. Reasons why? Some sort of explanation as to why Emory is the way he is. It was hard to keep up with Emorys thoughts and maybe that was the point. I’m not sure.

This book had a little of the creep vibe, that could have been pushed on a little more. The writing is good, just some details that would have made it better for me.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.

As much as I wanted to love this I couldn’t wrap my head around the concept. I am not one of the faint hearted but this book got me a few times, I guess my weakness is cannibals. I really hate that this book is under LGBTQA because it gives the wrong picture and it could confuse readers with the genre. This should be under Mystery but almost on the edge of horror because this is real life horror.

This was a very fast, well-paced read, but I felt like it was lacking. There wasn't a whole lot of characterization, and the plot suffered because of it. Despite this being about getting into Emory's mind, I feel like it didn't really happen. We're never really given any reasons why Emory thinks, acts, or feels the things he does. We get hallucinations and delusions, but no real window into him, as a person. Why does he allow strange men to penetrate him in adult video stores? Why does he feel so beholden to his mother in her illness? What happened between him and his sister that they grew apart? What is actually *happening* with/to him? I felt the same with Tyler. All we really know about him is that he looks kind of like Jeffrey Dahmer; he has an English degree; and, for some reason that he can't explain, he has a soft spot for Emory. Why does he keep going back to Emory, even when Emory pushes him away? Why does he try to reconnect months after their lone romantic encounter?

The answer to so many of these questions seemed to simply be "because" Because the plot dictates it, because characters need to be separated and/or brought back together to keep the story going, because it makes for an interesting scene, etc. Not much of this felt organic, and that begins with the characters not feeling like people. Emory's sister, for example, gets almost no page time or storyline, yet she plays a major part in the climax and resolution. We're told how obsessive Emory is with learning about Jeffrey Dahmer, but there's very little about Dahmer in the book. If you're not already familiar with who he is and what he did, make sure you check out a documentary or read his Wikipedia page, because there's very little detail in the book about his crimes or what might have drawn Emory to him.

This makes it seem like I hated the book, and I didn't. I read it in a few hours; I just wanted more. I wanted more horror, more thrills, more description, more development, just *more.*