Her narrative nonfiction debut, Madman in the Woods: Life Next Door to the Unabomber has been covered in publications such as Elle, New York Post, Slate, A & E True Crime, Oxygen True Crime, 5280, and in podcasts including The Last Podcast on the Left, True Crime Garage, Once Upon a Crime, LA Not So Confidential, Mind Over Murder, and True Murder. 

 

She recently was shortlisted for the CrimeCon True Crime Awards for “Best New True Crime Author.” Other accolades include a 2022 PenCraft Book Award for literary excellence in Nonfiction/Memoir, a 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book award for Notable Indie, and first place winner of the Firebird Book Awards in Memoir/Nonfiction. 

Aurora Rotary Club President Skip Arms and Brad Pierce recently presented the Eagle Award to Aurora Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Matthew Jepkes in person. We were unable to present the award until now because of COVID-19.

 

“Far too often we miss opportunities to show appreciation and respect for leadership. In hopes of stopping that trend I would like to commend Chief Jepkes on going above and beyond on May 29th. Chief Jepkes had been command on two working fires just hours apart on the evening of the 29th. At the conclusion of the second fire Chief Jepkes came into the home to do a final inspection before turning the property back over to the homeowners. Chief Jepkes made sure that all electric was turned back on for the comfort of the homeowners. Due to normal operations there was a small amount of water on the floor of the kitchen area. Without pause or judgment that it had not already been done, he found a nearby mop and began to clean the water from the floor. Not only did he try to leave the home better than we found it, he showed all the members of his battalion what is expected. He did so by using the greatest of teachers, a good example. We are proud to have Chief Jepkes as a competent fire ground tactician and leader.”