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Wheels of Murder: The 1896 Bank Robbery That Shocked A Small Prairie Town

$18.99

In 1896, the Kellihan brothers robbed a bank in a small southern Minnesota prairie town and fled on bicycles—the first getaway of its kind. The violence they left behind ignited a 150‑mile manhunt. Wheels of Murder tracks their frantic flight, the relentless pursuit, and the deeper toll left in their wake.

ISBN: 979-8-9941767-0-2 Publisher: Tags: , , ,

Description

On Oct. 7, 1896, the quiet town of Sherburn, Minnesota, was forever changed when the Kellihan brothers rolled into infamy, committing a daring bank robbery that would become the world’s first heist executed on bicycles. Wheels of Murder unravels the gripping true story of Hans and Lew Kellihan, two young men from Iowa who left a trail of murder, chaos and tragedy in their wake.

Their swift, wheeled escape sparked an intense 150-mile manhunt across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Akin to the James-Younger Gang’s infamous 1876 raid on the bank at Northfield, Minnesota, the Kellihans’ exploits captivated a nation 20 years later, highlighting the fragile line between violence and desperation.

From a rain of bullets to a chilling showdown, this unforgettable tale reveals the brothers’ ill-planned getaway, the dedication of the lawmen pursuing them, and the emotional fallout for their family, as well as the numerous individuals impacted by the crime’s far-reaching consequences.

Rich with historical detail and emotional depth, Wheels of Murder is more than just a true-crime story; it’s a reflection on ambition, loss and the extent to which people will go for survival. Will justice prevail, or will the wheels of fate spin in the outlaws’ favor? Uncover the truth behind one of America’s most sensational crimes.

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Paperback

On Oct. 7, 1896, the quiet town of Sherburn, Minnesota, was forever changed when the Kellihan brothers rolled into infamy, committing a daring bank robbery that would become the world’s first heist executed on bicycles. Wheels of Murder unravels the gripping true story of Hans and Lew Kellihan, two young men from Iowa who left a trail of murder, chaos and tragedy in their wake.

Their swift, wheeled escape sparked an intense 150-mile manhunt across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Akin to the James-Younger Gang’s infamous 1876 raid on the bank at Northfield, Minnesota, the Kellihans’ exploits captivated a nation 20 years later, highlighting the fragile line between violence and desperation.

From a rain of bullets to a chilling showdown, this unforgettable tale reveals the brothers’ ill-planned getaway, the dedication of the lawmen pursuing them, and the emotional fallout for their family, as well as the numerous individuals impacted by the crime’s far-reaching consequences.

Rich with historical detail and emotional depth, Wheels of Murder is more than just a true-crime story; it’s a reflection on ambition, loss and the extent to which people will go for survival. Will justice prevail, or will the wheels of fate spin in the outlaws’ favor? Uncover the truth behind one of America’s most sensational crimes.

Copyright: 2026
Page Count: 280
Trim Size: 5.25 x 8
Rights Territory: Worldwide
Categories:
TRUE CRIME / Heists & Robberies
TRUE CRIME / Historical
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Criminals & Outlaws

Jeffrey M. Sauve is an award-winning writer and historian based in Minnesota. He has contributed numerous articles to regional magazines, local historical societies and museums. He has also authored several books for various organizations. After serving 20 years as an archivist at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, he embarked on a successful writing career specializing in true-crime narratives.

His inaugural commercial publication, Murder at Minnesota Point (North Star Editions, 2022), has garnered significant acclaim. The book received a bronze IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Award) medallion for excellence in Midwest non-fiction, as well as a gold NEMBA (Northeast Minnesota Book Award) for best non-fiction.

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