About the Author

Kevin Cook is the author of over ten books, including The Burning Blue, Ten Innings at Wrigley, and Kitty Genovese. He has written for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, GQ, Smithsonian, and many other publications and has often appeared on CNN, NPR, and Fox News. An Indiana native, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Reviews

Praise for Waco Rising "Cook's striking history connects the standoff to political violence today."
--The New York Times "I learned early on as a counterterrorism special agent that it takes tragedy to force change in the U.S. government. Kevin Cook's masterful story of what truly happened in Waco in 1993 should be read by every American."
--Fred Burton, former special agent and New York Times bestselling author "In describing the standoff with exquisite detail and care, Cook masterfully portrays the scope of the violence and heartbreak on all sides. The author's meticulous history and character portraits also serve as timely reminders of the danger of homegrown militias and the cultlike figures who often lead them. Unfortunately, this material is still fertile ground in America. A thorough, engaging work that reminds us of the humanity behind the tragedy."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "An engrossing and original new book [with] heroic detail and depth.... Cook's account transports readers from the Davidians' early days to the prolonged standoff."
--New Republic "Cult leaders are fascinating creatures, not only for their undeniable charisma but also for their powerful hold on their followers and their tendency to self-destruct.... In chilling detail, Cook describes Koresh's descent into religious paranoia, putting him on the path that would lead to his confrontation with the FBI."
--Booklist "With both its narrative and its marketed thesis, Waco Rising overwhelmingly succeeds.... Waco Rising is an unparalleled work of narrative."
--The American Purpose "[T]ense re-creations of the 51-day siege...a fast, taut read."
--Washington Post "Cook digs into how Koresh's heavily armed evangelical Branch Davidians and the war they waged against the U.S. government, culminating in a firefight that killed 76 people, paved the way to today's militia movement."
--USA Today "[F]ast-paced.... Drawing from extensive interviews with surviving group members, Cook is at his strongest when discussing the day-to-day life of the Davidians under their unstable, self-appointed prophet, David Koresh."
--Publishers Weekly