by Frank Gaimari

Few figures in modern history evoke such a mixture of revulsion and morbid fascination as Jeffrey Dahmer. His gruesome crimes, which shocked the world in 1991, continue to serve as a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for darkness. Against this unsettling backdrop, Rick R. Reed has crafted a compelling and provocative novel, The Man from Milwaukee, a psychological thriller that pushes the boundaries of horror and human psychology.

Set against the backdrop of Jeffrey Dahmer’s arrest, this novel explores the life of Emory Hughes, a young man in Chicago grappling with profound inner turmoil. Stricken by grief over his mother’s battle with AIDS and caught in a relentless cycle of self-doubt, Emory struggles to accept himself. In his search for connection, he begins writing letters to Dahmer in prison, drawn to the notorious killer as a kindred spirit—someone equally consumed by inner darkness. As his fixation grows, Emory’s fragile hold on reality starts to fracture, leading to a tense and haunting confrontation with Tyler Kay, a compassionate and openly gay colleague who offers him a glimmer of acceptance and hope.

Reed’s ability to intertwine real-life horror with fictional storytelling is remarkable. The novel is not merely a crime story; it is an exploration of the fractured psyche of a man on the edge, delving into the societal and personal traumas that shape such individuals. It delves into the human condition, examining themes of grief, loneliness, and the search for connection amidst chaos. The result is a story that is unsettling and profoundly resonant.

The Man from Milwaukee gripped me so completely that I found it nearly impossible to put down. Eager to delve deeper into the story and uncover the mind behind it, I reached out to Rick to explore his creative process, inspirations, and the themes that make this novel so unforgettable. Here are my questions—and his insightful answers.

Frank Gaimari: The Man from Milwaukee intertwines real-life horror with a fictional narrative. What inspired you to explore Jeffrey Dahmer’s crimes as a backdrop for this story?

Rick R. Reed: I’m a true-crime junkie, and much of my work in the darker, thriller, suspense, and psychological genres stems from a deep fascination with the darker side of human nature. In 1991, when Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested, I became captivated by the case, partly because of how close it came to home. Having lived in Chicago for over two decades, I was just a 90-minute drive from Milwaukee, where Dahmer committed his crimes. I had visited Milwaukee many times and even frequented some of the same bars he did. Dahmer had also spent time in Chicago, visiting places I often went to myself. This made me wonder: could our paths have crossed? He was somewhat attractive, and I couldn’t help but think there was a chance I might have gone home with him. The thought gives me chills—imagining what might have happened if our lives had intersected.

Adding to my fascination was the timing of his arrest, which coincided with the release of my first novel, OBSESSED. Dell published it as part of a brand-new and innovative horror imprint called Abyss, which featured authors like Poppy Z. Brite (now Billy Martin), Kathe Koja, Dennis Etchison, Michael McDowell, Tanith Lee, and many others. Riding the excitement of being a newly published author with a major publisher, I decided to write to Dahmer in prison and sent him a copy of my freshly minted book. I wanted to see if he would allow me to tell his story. He never replied, and I don’t even know if he received the book or my letter, but the experience left a lasting impression. Dahmer and his crimes became firmly rooted in my mind, and I knew that one day, I would write about him.

FG: Emory Hughes is such a complex and troubled character. How did you approach creating his psychological depth and his connection to Dahmer?

RR: Emory’s fascination—some might say obsession—with Dahmer, like mine, began when Dahmer’s crimes came to public light in July of 1991. Emory was a deeply closeted young man, wrestling with his impulses and desires. He didn’t want to be who he was and loathed himself for it. As someone who was also deeply closeted and once married to a woman, I could draw from my own self-loathing during that time in my life to create Emory. Emory saw in Dahmer a kindred spirit and came to believe they were alike—both fighting impulses they detested in themselves but found too powerful to ignore. Like me, Emory wrote to Dahmer in prison, and that’s where the story was born.

FG: The book delves into themes of grief, loneliness, and self-loathing. How do you balance these heavy emotional themes with the thriller elements of the story?

RR: I believe that balance came naturally. The thriller elements are inextricably linked to the theme, each propelling and driving the other.

FG: The setting of 1991 Chicago plays a significant role in the novel. How did you go about recreating the atmosphere of that time and place?

RR: I lived in Chicago for about 23 years and know the city very well (in fact, I just visited last week). I was familiar with all the places Emory experienced. His trips on the L, his workplace, and his ventures into bars and bookstores were all things I experienced as a young man, often with the same fears, dread, and curiosity. It wasn’t difficult to “live” in that time and place again because I knew it so well.

FG: Congratulations on having your book optioned for a film adaptation! How does it feel to have your story come to life on screen? Which aspects of its essence do you hope the movie will capture the most?

RR: Like my novel IM, which was also optioned by a respected producer/director, The Man from Milwaukee has gone from option to nowhere. Still, I hold out hope. It was under consideration at Blumhouse just a few months ago, so I remain optimistic. The screenplay, written by the producing team who optioned it, is excellent, considering the book’s deep psychological and interior nature.

If the movie ever gets produced, I hope it captures Chicago’s gritty essence and the beauty of Emory’s family connections, particularly his bond with his wayward sister, who eventually finds her way, and their mother, who, in 1991, was dying from a plague we now call AIDS. I also hope it conveys the mystery and ambiguity of an unreliable narrator, along with the very dark psychological themes.

Rick R. Reed is a celebrated author who has garnered numerous accolades, including being a Lambda Literary Award finalist and winning multiple Rainbow Awards. With an extensive body of work spanning over sixty books, he has established a reputation for blending horror, psychological depth, and social commentary into compelling narratives. His storytelling uniquely challenges and captivates readers, offering chilling entertainment and profound insight. To explore more of his work and learn about his creative process, you can visit his website.

Rick’s website: https://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/2025/07/ai-describes-me-perfectly.html

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.

FRANK'S FILM REVIEW

Rick R. Reed’s The Man from Milwaukee: A chilling fusion of fact and fiction

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