A true crime account that rocked bucolic central Minnesota, Pain in Paynesville takes readers deep into the harrowing experiences of author Kris Bertelsen as a serial predator stalked young boys in his hometown throughout the 1980s. This gripping narrative recounts two abductions and a murder that would remain unsolved for nearly three decades, leaving a trail of anguish and unanswered questions in its wake.

With unflinching honesty, Bertelsen shares a firsthand account of the waves of pain and trauma that ripple outward from personal cri, mes—devastating not only victims, but also their families, friends, and entire communities. His courageous storytelling sheds light on how these hidden and unrecognized costs can persist for years, compounded by the limitations of societal institutions that too often fall short of providing answers or meaningful assistance, even when staffed by caring and dedicated professionals.

Drawing on his observations and insights from this turbulent period, Bertelsen offers readers a rare opportunity to reflect on how far we have come—and how far we still must go—in improving communication, support, and justice for those impacted by violent crime. Pain in Paynesville is both a chilling true crime chronicle and a deeply human testament to resilience, awareness, and the ongoing work of healing.